The L-1 Visa is a temporary work visa for employees of multinational companies who are being transferred to a U.S. office. It is designed for managers, executives, or workers with specialized knowledge.
The L-1 visa makes it possible for international companies to move talent across borders and also allows companies abroad to set up new offices in the U.S. by sending key staff there.
There are two main types:
You must have worked for a related company abroad (parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch) for at least 1 continuous year in the past 3 years.
You must be coming to the U.S. to work for a related U.S. office of the same employer.
Your role must be either:
- Executive/Managerial (L-1A) – overseeing a team, department, or major function.
- Specialized Knowledge (L-1B) – having unique knowledge about the company’s products, services, processes, or systems.
For companies setting up a new U.S. office, the U.S. branch must show it has secured office space and a plan to support the transferred employee.
Direct transfer: Enables international companies to transfer key staff to U.S. operations.
New offices: Allows foreign companies to establish U.S. offices by transferring essential staff.
Dual intent visa: L-1 holders can apply for a green card later without affecting their status.
Spouse work rights: Spouses on L-2 visas can apply for work authorization in the U.S.
Children’s education: Children under 21 can join on L-2 visas and attend school.
Path to permanent residency: L-1A managers/executives often qualify directly for EB-1C green card, avoiding labor certification.
Sofia, a marketing director from Brazil, has worked for her company for 5 years. She is transferred to lead the U.S. branch in Miami on an L-1A visa. After a few years, her employer sponsors her for an EB-1C green card.
Arjun, a software specialist from India, is moved to his company’s U.S. office in California under an L-1B visa because he has deep knowledge of proprietary systems no one else has mastered.
A German logistics firm opens a new office in Chicago and transfers one of its executives to launch operations. The executive gets an L-1A new office visa, valid initially for 1 year, with possible extensions.