What is an L1 Visa? Differences Between Intra-Company Transfer and L-1A, L-1B Visa
What is an L1 Visa? Differences Between Intra-Company Transfer and L-1A, L-1B Visa
FRONTAPRIL 22, 2025 / IN BLOGS
The L-1 intracompany transfer visa is a nonimmigrant intracompany transfer visa that allows managers or specialist personnel working for international companies to transfer to an office in the United States. The L-1A is for managers and directors, and the L-1B is for personnel with specialized knowledge.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover all the details, including what an L1 visa is, who is eligible to apply, how the application process works, green card opportunities, and visa options for spouses and children. If you're the manager of an international company or planning to open a new office in the US, this article is for you. As CK LAW Firm, we can help you obtain an L1A visa, also known as an intra-company transfer visa. We're here to help you with all your L1 visa applications, from US citizenship and immigration procedures to the L1 visa application process!
Content Headings
- What is an L1 Visa?
- Who Can Apply for an L-1A Visa?
- What are the Job Descriptions for Managers and Directors?
- How Does the L1 Visa Application Process Work?
- How Long Can You Stay in the USA with an L1 Visa?
- What are the Visa Fees and Processing Time?
- Can a new office be established in the USA?
- What are the differences between the L-1A and L-1B visas?
- Is it possible to get a Green Card with an L1 Visa?
- L2 Visa Options for Spouses and Children
1. What is an L1 Visa?
An L1 visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa that allows a non-U.S. company to transfer an executive or professional employee to its U.S. office for a specific period of time. This visa is also known as an intra-company transfer visa.
The L-1A visa is for executives and managers, while the L-1B visa is for employees with specialized knowledge of the company's products or services.
2. Who Can Apply for an L-1A Visa?
To apply for an L-1A visa, an employee must:
- Have worked in the same company for at least 1 year in the last 3 years,
- Be transferred to the USA in a manager or director position,
- The company must have a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in the United States.
This visa is specifically designed for international companies to transfer their senior executives to the United States.
3. What are the Job Descriptions for Managers and Directors?
According to USCIS, the terms "manager" and "director" are clearly defined:
- Executive: Directs the general operation of the company, makes high-level decisions and does not report directly to another manager.
- Manager: Manages a specific department or professional staff; has a say in budget, personnel and operational matters.
Sample roles: department management, operational unit management, team leadership, multi-business unit supervision.
4. How Does the L1 Visa Application Process Work?
When applying for an L1 visa, the employer follows the following steps:
- Application is made to USCIS with Form I-129.
- The employee's job description and past work experience are documented.
- The company's presence in the US and abroad is demonstrated.
- Once the application is approved, the applicant attends an interview at the US consulate.
Processing time typically takes 2–6 months; however, with premium processing, this time can be reduced to 15 days.
5. How Long Can I Stay in the USA with an L1 Visa?
- If a new office is to be established: The first visa is valid for 1 year.
- In case of transfer to an existing office: The initial visa is granted for 3 years.
- Extensions: Can be extended for 2 years at a time, up to a total of 7 years (for L-1A).
At the end of the 7 years, if the person intends to continue to stay in the US, he or she must change their status (e.g. apply for a green card).
6. What are the Visa Fees and Processing Time?
Fees you may encounter when applying for an L1 visa:
- Form I-129 application fee
- USCIS fraud prevention fee
- Premium processing fee (optional)
Although the total cost varies depending on the scope of the application, the processing time is 2-6 months and 15 calendar days for premium processing.
7. Can a new office be established in the USA?
Yes! The L-1A visa is ideal for an executive establishing a new office in the United States. This is where:
- The candidate must have been working with the company for at least 1 year,
- The office to be opened in the USA will be structured to provide administrative activities within 1 year,
- The office to be established must be supported by a budget and personnel plan.
This is a strategic step, especially for international companies aiming for growth.
8. What are the differences between the L-1A and L-1B visas?
| Feature | L-1A | L1B |
|---|---|---|
| To whom is it given? | To managers and directors | To expert knowledgeable employees |
| Maximum duration | 7 years | 5 years |
| Green Card transition | Easier (EB-1C) | More indirect |
| Position type | Decision maker, leadership | Technical information specialist |
L-1A is generally more advantageous in terms of the green card process.
9. Is it possible to get a Green Card with an L-1 Visa?
Yes! The L1 visa falls under the dual intent category. This means you can come to the US on a temporary visa and then apply for immigration.
L-1A visa holders can apply for a green card in category EB-1C:
- No labor certificate required
- Faster processing
- The right to permanent residence
10. L2 Visa Options for Spouses and Children
Spouses and children under the age of 21 of L1 visa holders can apply for an L2 visa.
- Spouses can apply for an employment authorization (EAD) and work in the United States.
- Children can attend school in the United States.
- Family members may stay parallel to the main applicant's stay.
The L2 visa offers great convenience for those who want to move to the USA with their families.
Things to Remember in Summary
- The L1 visa is a work visa specifically designed for intra-company executive and expert transfers.
- The L-1A visa is for managers; the L-1B visa is for workers with specialized knowledge.
- The path to obtaining a green card is open (especially through EB-1C).
- Family members can accompany with an L2 visa.
- Offers the opportunity to establish a new office in the USA.
CK Law Firm offers professional support for L1 visa applications. We are with you every step of the way, including preparation of application documents, USCIS process monitoring, and family visa processing.
📞 Contact us to start your internal transfer process safely!