L-1 Intra-Company Transferee

For Multinational Executives, Managers & Specialized Talent

The L-1 visa is a powerful nonimmigrant classification that enables multinational companies to transfer key personnel from a foreign office to a related U.S. entity. It is the gold standard for global business expansion, offering a dual-intent pathway to the U.S. without the need for a lottery.

⚖️ 2026 Policy Update: Spousal Work & Fees

L-2S Spouses: No EAD Required

Correction to old rules: L-2 spouses are now authorized to work incident to status. You no longer need to wait months for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Your I-94 record is sufficient proof to start working immediately.

New Employer Fees

Petitioning employers must now pay the Asylum Program Fee ($600 or $300) on top of standard filing fees for every I-129 petition filed.

L-1 Visa Categories

L-1A: Executives & Managers

For leaders who manage the organization, a department, or a key function.

  • Max Stay: 7 Years.
  • Benefit: Direct path to EB-1C Green Card (No PERM Labor Cert needed).

L-1B: Specialized Knowledge

For employees with proprietary knowledge of the company’s products, services, or procedures.

  • Max Stay: 5 Years.
  • Benefit: Can transfer essential talent unavailable in the U.S. labor market.

Eligibility Requirements

1. The Corporate Relationship

The U.S. and foreign entities must have a qualifying relationship: Parent, Branch, Subsidiary, or Affiliate. Both must remain operational for the duration of the visa.

2. The Employee’s Tenure

The employee must have worked for the foreign entity for at least one continuous year within the last three years before admission to the U.S.

Startups: The “New Office” L-1

If you are sending an executive to launch a new U.S. branch, special rules apply:

  • Physical Premises: You must have a signed lease for a physical office (Virtual offices are strictly scrutinized).
  • 1-Year Limit: The initial visa is valid for only 1 year.
  • Growth Requirement: To extend beyond year 1, you must prove you have hired U.S. staff and the business is active.

Application Process

  1. File Form I-129: The U.S. employer submits the petition to USCIS with evidence of the corporate relationship and employee qualifications.
  2. USCIS Approval: Premium Processing (Form I-907) is available for a 15-day decision.
  3. Consular Processing: Once approved, the employee applies for the visa stamp at a U.S. Consulate abroad. (Canadians may apply directly at the border).
  4. Blanket L-1 (Optional): Large multinationals can use a “Blanket Petition” to bypass individual USCIS filings, sending employees directly to the consulate for faster processing.

Corporate Transfer Strategy

From “New Office” setups to Blanket L-1 petitions, Wang Law PLLC ensures your global mobility is seamless.