L-Visa Intracompany Transferee Lawyers

Are you a multinational company who is interested in transferring a manager, executive, or worker with specialized knowledge about your business to the United States to work temporarily? Let our L-1 visa lawyers help you navigate the legal process, so you can obtain the employment-based visas you need to achieve your goals. We have more than 30 years of experience guiding employers and employees through the L-1 visa process. We’ll analyze your business relationships, ensure you qualify, and walk you and your employee through the application and interview process to ensure your success. 

Immigration lawyers Vivian Khalaf and Omar Abuzir
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What Is an L-1 Visa for Intracompany Transferees?

An L-1 visa is a U.S. non-immigrant visa designed for intracompany transferees. It enables qualifying employees of multinational companies to work in a U.S. branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of their foreign employer. This visa is available in two categories: L-1A for managers and executives and L-1B for employees with specialized knowledge. To qualify, the applicant must have been employed by the foreign company for at least one continuous year within the last three years. The L-1 visa facilitates the transfer of key personnel within multinational organizations, promoting the exchange of expertise, enhancing business operations, and fostering economic growth. This visa is a valuable tool for international companies seeking to establish or expand their presence in the United States.

What Is the Difference Between the L-1A and L-1B Visa?

The L-1A and L-1B visas are both part of the L-1 intracompany transferee visa category, but they differ in terms of the positions they are designed for and the qualifications of the applicants.

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L-1A Visas

This visa is meant for managers and executives within multinational organizations. To qualify, the applicant must have a managerial or executive role in their foreign company. Although the L-1A visa is a non-immigrant visa, holders have the potential to apply for permanent residency (Green Card) in the United States through the employment-based first preference (EB-1C) category.

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L-1B Visas

The L-1B visa is for employees with specialized knowledge. Specialized knowledge refers to expertise or knowledge of the company’s products, services, processes, or other aspects that are not readily available in the U.S. L-1B visa holders may not directly pursue permanent residency based on their L-1B status, but can explore other immigration options. While transferring to the EB-1C category may be an option, doing so may be a bit more challenging than transitioning from an L-1A. 

What Are the Benefits of an L-1 Visa?

The L-1 visa offers a host of advantages for international businesses and their employees. This intracompany transferee visa facilitates the transfer of key personnel to U.S. branches or affiliates, promoting the exchange of skills and knowledge. It allows multinational organizations to streamline their operations, fosters international collaboration, and enhances competitiveness in the U.S. market. 

The following benefits also make the L-1 visa a valuable tool for organizations seeking to expand their presence in the U.S.

  1. Lower training and recruitment costs: Transfer experienced and trained workers from your parent company, eliminating the need to recruit and train new workers.
  2. Institutional knowledge: Transfer executives or managers to open a new U.S. branch, preserving vital knowledge, skills, and experience.
  3. Fast processing times: Processing times for L-1 visas are much faster since they are temporary, and there are no quotas to worry about.
  4. Family inclusion: L-1 visa holders have the flexibility to apply for L-2 visas to bring their immediate family with them, enabling a smooth transition to life in the United States.
  5. Spousal work authorization: Spouses on L-2 visas are eligible for employment in the United States.

One of the biggest benefits of L-1 visas is that they are dual intent visas. This enables L-1 visa holders to come to the United States with the intent to eventually migrate to the United States.

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Immigration lawyer Omar Abuzir
Omar A. Abuzir
Immigration Lawyer
Chicago immigration lawyer Vivian Khalaf
Vivian Khalaf
Immigration Lawyer

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“Working with the lawyers at ImmigrationJD was an experience that was unexpected. It was a breeze obtaining my permanent residency and the attorney was with me every step of the way. The process was exactly as it was explained to me at the start and there were no surprises! I highly recommend this law firm”
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“It was very difficult for me to be separated from my husband while he was overseas waiting for the processing of his immigration papers at the U.S. embassy. My attorney made the process move quicker than I anticipated by being on top of it and making sure the documents were completed properly and efficiently. I was never kept in the dark and updated frequently. We will be back to ImmigrationJD as soon as my husband is ready to file for citizenship”.
~Regina

What Is an L-1 Visa Blanket Petition?

An L-1 Blanket Petition is a streamlined process for multinational companies to transfer their employees to the United States. It allows an eligible organization to obtain a single approval from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for multiple employees, rather than filing individual L-1 petitions for each worker. This approach significantly reduces the administrative burden and processing time. 

To qualify for the L-1 Blanket Petition, the company must meet specific criteria, such as a demonstrated record of L-1 visa approvals and a commitment to continuous international trade or investment. Once approved, it enables the company to transfer employees more efficiently, making it a valuable option for large corporations with ongoing U.S. expansion needs.

FAQs About L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visas

How Long Can an L-1 Visa Holder Remain in the United States?

For L-1 visa holders, the initial period of stay is up to three years. Extensions are available, that allow L-1A visa holders to stay for up to seven years, however. Eligible L-1B visa holders can extend their stay for up to five years. 

Can I Bring My Family with Me if I Am an L-1 Visa Holder?

Yes, L-1 visa holders can bring their immediate family, including spouses and dependent children, with them to the United States. Spouses can apply for L-2 visas and are eligible for work authorization in the U.S., while dependent children can obtain L-2 visas to accompany their parent.

Is the L-1 Visa Subject to a Numerical Cap?

No, the L-1 visa is not subject to a numerical cap or quota like some other visa categories. As such, there is no limit on the number of L-1 visas that can be issued each fiscal year. This makes the L-1 visa more accessible for eligible intracompany transferees and their employers.