L-1 Intracompany Transfer
L-1跨国公司调派
Overview
The L-1 visa permits multinational companies to transfer managers and executives (L-1A) or employees with specialized knowledge (L-1B) from foreign offices to U.S. subsidiaries, affiliates, parent companies, or branches. The L-1 visa is not subject to an annual cap, has no prevailing wage requirement, and L-1A holders have a direct path to the EB-1C green card. For companies that have not yet established a U.S. presence, the L-1 also supports "New Office" petitions.
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Eligibility Requirements
- L-1A (Managers/Executives): The applicant must have worked in a managerial or executive capacity at a qualifying foreign affiliate for at least 1 year within the preceding 3 years
- L-1B (Specialized Knowledge Workers): The applicant must possess specialized knowledge of the company's products, services, or procedures and have worked for the foreign affiliate for at least 1 year within the preceding 3 years
- A qualifying organizational relationship must exist between the U.S. entity and the foreign company (parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate)
- New Office: A detailed business plan must be submitted demonstrating that the U.S. entity will grow to a sufficient operational scale
Application Process
Establish Qualifying Relationship
Prepare corporate documentation proving the qualifying organizational relationship between the U.S. and foreign entities (parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate).
Prepare Supporting Documents
Compile organizational charts, the applicant's detailed position description, evidence of prior employment, and a business plan (required for New Office petitions).
File Form I-129
Submit Form I-129 with the L Classification Supplement to USCIS. Premium Processing is available.
Adjudication
Regular processing takes 3–5 months; Premium Processing guarantees a response within 15 business days. An RFE may be issued.
Visa Stamping / Entry
Once approved, attend a consular interview abroad or change status within the U.S.
Timeline Reference
| Stage | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|
| Document Preparation | 2–4 weeks |
| Regular Processing | 3–5 months |
| Premium Processing | 15 business days |
| L-1A Maximum Stay | Up to 7 years |
| L-1B Maximum Stay | Up to 5 years |
| New Office Initial Period | 1 year (extendable) |
FAQ
What is the difference between L-1 and H-1B?
The L-1 is not subject to an annual cap, does not require a lottery, and has no prevailing wage requirement — but the applicant must have worked abroad at a qualifying affiliate for at least 1 year. The H-1B requires lottery selection, has prevailing wage requirements, but does not require prior foreign employment.
Can an L-1A holder apply directly for a green card?
Yes. L-1A holders are eligible to apply for the EB-1C (Multinational Manager or Executive) green card, which does not require PERM labor certification. EB-1C is one of the fastest employer-sponsored green card pathways.
What is a Blanket L-1?
A Blanket L-1 allows large multinational companies to obtain pre-approval from USCIS. Once approved, individual employees can apply for L-1 visas directly at a U.S. consulate without a separate USCIS petition for each transfer. This is ideal for companies that frequently transfer employees to the U.S.
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