The L-1 visa lets a multinational company transfer a qualifying employee from a foreign office to a related U.S. office. It is used for executives, managers, and specialized knowledge employees, and approval depends on the corporate relationship and the job duties.
This guide answers common L1 visa questions for employers and employees, including eligibility, requirements, timelines, new office transfers, blanket petitions, dependents, and interview preparation. Requirements vary by case, so the right documentation depends on your facts.
Immigration rules and agency guidance can change, so confirm current requirements before filing.
Quick Answer: What Are the Most Common L1 Visa Questions?
- Who qualifies for an L-1 visa
- Difference between L-1A and L-1B
- Employer and employee eligibility
- Length of stay and extensions
- New office versus existing office transfers
- Blanket L petitions
- Family members and work authorization
- Path to permanent residence, if applicable
What Is an L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa?
An L-1 intracompany transfer visa allows a company to move a qualifying employee from a foreign entity to a related U.S. entity to work in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge role. The U.S. and foreign entities must have a qualifying relationship, such as a parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch.
This category is built for intracompany transfers, not general hiring. The petition should clearly explain how the corporate relationship qualifies and why the U.S. role fits the L-1 standard.
What Is the Difference Between L-1A and L-1B Visas?
The main difference is the type of role and the maximum time allowed in L status.
- L-1A Visa: L-1A is for executives and managers, with a maximum stay of up to 7 years.
- L-1B Visa: L-1B is for specialized knowledge employees, with a maximum stay of up to 5 years.
- L-1 Visa Eligibility Requirements
Employer Eligibility
- Qualifying relationship with the foreign entity (parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch)
- Active business operations in the U.S. and abroad
- U.S. job duties and reporting structure that fit L-1A or L-1B
- Ability to support the role with staffing and business activity evidence
Employee Eligibility
- One continuous year of employment abroad within the last 3 years
- Executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge duties that match the category requested
- Transfer to a qualifying U.S. entity in a role consistent with the petition
L-1 Visa Questions for New Office Transfers
New office cases focus on showing the U.S. operation is real and positioned to operate during the initial approval period.
- What qualifies as a “new office”?
- How long is the initial approval period?
- What proof of office premises is required?
- How does USCIS evaluate business viability?
How Long Can You Stay in the U.S. on an L-1 Visa?
Stay depends on whether the office is new and whether the case is L-1A or L-1B.
- Initial stay: often 1 year for a new office petition and up to 3 years otherwise
- Extensions: commonly requested in up to 2-year periods, depending on remaining time
- Maximum stay: up to 7 years for L-1A and up to 5 years for L-1B
What Is an L-1 Blanket Petition?
A blanket petition can simplify repeat transfers for large employers that meet specific thresholds. It reduces repeat employer filings for each transfer and can make repeat processing more efficient for eligible employees.
- Thresholds: often tied to prior approvals, revenue, and number of employees
- Use: employees commonly apply using Form I-129S
- Individual petitions: still used when the blanket does not cover the employer or the facts
How Do You Apply for an L-1 Visa?
In most cases, the U.S. employer files the petition, and the employee completes consular processing if applying from outside the U.S.
- Consult an immigration attorney.
- Gather supporting documents.
- File Form I-129 with the L Supplement.
- Attend the consular interview if outside the U.S.
Common L-1 Visa Interview Questions
- What is your role in the company?
- How long have you worked for the foreign entity?
- What are your managerial or specialized duties?
- How are the U.S. and foreign companies related?
L-1 Visa Questions About Dependents and L-2 Status
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may qualify for L-2 status, usually for the same period as the L-1 principal. L-2 spouses may be eligible for work authorization depending on current rules. Form I-539 is commonly used for dependent changes or extensions in the U.S.
Common Mistakes That Lead to L-1 Visa Denials
- Vague job descriptions that do not show executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge work
- Weak specialized knowledge evidence that lacks specific, company-based details
- Poor documentation of the corporate relationship or active operations
- Treating L-1 as a general work visa
- Inconsistent role descriptions across forms, support letters, and interview answers
Key Takeaways
- L-1 is for intracompany transfers to a related U.S. entity in qualifying roles.
- L-1A is for executives and managers (up to 7 years); L-1B is for specialized knowledge (up to 5 years).
- Employer evidence should show the corporate relationship, operations, and support for the role.
- Employee evidence should show the one-year abroad rule and qualifying duties.
For more immigration guidance and resources, visit ImmigrationQuestion.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an L-1 visa?
An L-1 visa is a classification for intracompany transfers from a foreign office to a related U.S. office in a qualifying role. - Can L-1 visa holders apply for a green card?
Some L-1 holders may pursue permanent residence through employment-based categories if eligible. - How long can I stay in the U.S. on an L-1 visa?
Many cases start at 1 year for new offices or up to 3 years otherwise, with extensions up to the category maximum. - What documents are required for an L-1 visa petition?
Common documents include corporate relationship proof, evidence of active operations, employment history abroad, and detailed job duties. - Who files the L-1 visa petition—the employer or the employee?
The employer typically files the petition using Form I-129 with the L Supplement. - Can family members accompany an L-1 visa holder?
Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can usually apply for L-2 status. - Can an L-1 visa lead to a green card?
It can be part of a long-term plan, but it does not automatically result in permanent residence. - What are common reasons L-1 visa petitions are denied?
Denials often involve unclear duties, weak specialized knowledge evidence, missing corporate documentation, or inconsistencies. - Can an L-1 visa be extended or transferred to a new employer?
Extensions may be available with the same qualifying employer, but L-1 generally cannot transfer to an unrelated employer.
