WORK VISA — L-1A / L-1B
Intracompany Transfer
For managers, executives, and specialized knowledge employees transferring to a U.S. office of the same multinational organization.
OVERVIEW
What Is the L-1?
The L-1 visa enables multinational companies to transfer employees from a foreign affiliate, subsidiary, parent, or branch to a U.S. office. The L-1A category covers managers and executives; the L-1B covers employees with specialized knowledge.
L-1A status is particularly significant because it provides a direct pathway to an EB-1C employment-based green card — the fastest and most reliable employment-based permanent residence category for multinational managers and executives.
ELIGIBILITY
Who Qualifies
- The beneficiary must have worked for the overseas entity for at least one continuous year within the three years preceding the petition
- L-1A: The position in the U.S. must involve managing an organization, department, subdivision, or function — or supervising and controlling the work of professional employees
- L-1B: The position must require specialized knowledge — meaning knowledge of the organization’s products, services, research, equipment, techniques, management, or procedures that is both special and advanced
- A qualifying corporate relationship must exist between the U.S. and foreign entities (parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch)
- New office L-1 petitions are available for employees establishing a new U.S. presence for a foreign company
See Also
Last updated: May 14, 2026