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The L-1 visa allows multinational companies to transfer executives, managers, and specialized-knowledge employees from a qualifying foreign office to a U.S. office — parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch — without the need for a lottery or an annual cap.
The L-1 is a non-immigrant work visa that allows a qualifying multinational company to transfer a key employee — executive, manager, or specialized-knowledge professional — from a foreign office to a related U.S. entity. Between the foreign and U.S. employers there must be a qualifying corporate relationship: parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch.
The L-1 has two primary subcategories — L-1A for executives and managers and L-1B for employees with specialized knowledge — plus a dedicated "New Office" framework for launching a U.S. presence. It allows dual intent toward a green card (with L-1A aligning naturally with EB-1C), is not subject to an annual cap, and permits spouses in L-2 status to apply for open-market work authorization.
"The L-1 is about structure — a clean corporate relationship, a clearly defined role, and documentation that tells a single consistent story."
Each L-1 track is tailored to a different kind of transfer. Selecting the correct subcategory early shapes the structure of the petition and the path to permanent residency.
For senior leaders transferring to a U.S. affiliate, subsidiary, parent, or branch — in roles that direct the organization, a major component, or a function, with significant discretion over policy and operations.
For employees with specialized knowledge of the company's products, services, research, techniques, or processes — or an advanced level of knowledge of its procedures and systems.
A dedicated framework for companies establishing a new U.S. office. An initial one-year approval is granted, with extensions available once the U.S. entity is operational and the qualifying role is sustained.
Every L-1 case rests on a qualifying corporate relationship, a qualifying foreign role, and a qualifying U.S. role — documented consistently from start to finish.
A documented parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch relationship between the foreign employer and the U.S. entity, supported by ownership records.
The employee must have worked full-time for the foreign entity for at least one continuous year within the three years preceding the transfer.
For L-1A executives: authority to direct the organization, set goals, exercise wide decision-making latitude, and receive only general supervision from higher-level executives or the board.
For L-1A managers: authority to manage the organization, a function, or a major component — including hiring, firing, and setting day-to-day operational goals.
For L-1B: special knowledge of the company's products, services, research, techniques, or processes, or an advanced level of knowledge of its procedures.
The foreign entity must continue doing business abroad throughout the L-1 worker's stay — not just a U.S. operation left on its own.
For New Office L-1: secured physical U.S. premises, a detailed business plan, and evidence the U.S. entity will support a qualifying role within one year.
The worker must be transferring to the U.S. to serve in an executive, managerial, or specialized-knowledge capacity consistent with the chosen L-1 subcategory.
From corporate structuring to submission, every L-1 case we support follows the same structured, rigorous framework.
Start Your CaseWe review the corporate relationship, the employee's role abroad, and the proposed U.S. position against the L-1 framework — then recommend the strongest track: L-1A, L-1B, or New Office.
We map every corporate, financial, and personnel document — org charts, ownership records, contracts, job descriptions, and business plans — against the L-1 evidentiary requirements.
We help prepare the support letter, structure the exhibits, and ensure the petition tells a consistent story across the foreign entity, the U.S. entity, and the transferee's role.
We coordinate filing, track case status, and support you through any requests for additional evidence — including extensions, amendments, and transitions toward EB-1C permanent residency.
Ready to explore your L-1 options? Our team provides structured guidance and clear next steps — reach out and we'll respond within 48 hours.
Define your goals and identify areas where we can add value to your case.
