L-1 Intra Company Transferees

What is a L-1 Visa: Complete Guide

Managers, executives, and other key employees with specialized knowledge of said companies that have, or wish to establish, U.S. offices may need to transfer these employees oversees to the U.S.  The L-1 Visa (Intra-company Transferee) enables these employees to work temporarily in the United States at the U.S. parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch office.

Procedures & Requirements

  • A qualifying relationship must exist between the foreign company and the U.S. company;
  • The employee (foreign national) should have completed one continuous year of employment outside of the U.S. with the overseas company within the preceding three years before such employee can be transferred to the U.S. parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch office;
  • For a foreign national who is in the United States in H-1B status for the employer filing the L-1 petition, even if the foreign national has been present in the U.S. for three or more years, the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) will look at the three year period before the alien’s admission to the United States to determine L-1 eligibility, provided the H-1B employer is related in a qualifying manner for L-1 purposes to the foreign employer and the foreign national was employed abroad for a period of one year;
  • The petitioner can expedite the L-1 process so that the initial determination is made within 10-15 calendar days by requesting premium processing for an additional fee to the USCIS.

Related Issues

  • L-1 Visas are initially granted for three years or one year in those cases where the foreign national is coming to the U.S. to establish U.S. office.  This status can then be extended – the total period of stay may reach seven years for L-1A managers and executives, and five years for L-1B specialized knowledge personnel;
  • Spouse and unmarried child(ren) of L-1 are allowed to accompany / join the foreign national in L-2 status.  L-2 spouse are allowed to work whereas L-2 children are not, though they can attend school or college;
  • Large employers have the ability to file blanket L-1 petitions with the USCIS instead of filing separate petitions for each individual employee.
  • At present there is no annual cap for L-1 visas.

L-1 Intra Company Transfer: Questions & Answers

The L-1 visa is a category of non-immigrant visa in the United States specifically created for intra-company transfers. This visa permits international companies to relocate select employees from their overseas offices to their U.S. branches on a temporary basis. Often favored by multinational corporations, the L-1 visa facilitates the transfer of essential staff to the United States for managing operations, supervising projects, and imparting specialized knowledge, thereby sustaining the company’s international presence.

An L-1A visa caters to managers and executives being relocated to a U.S. office that functions as a subsidiary, branch, affiliate, or parent of their foreign company. On the other hand, an L-1B visa is tailored for employees possessing specialized knowledge about the petitioning company’s products, services, processes, equipment, or techniques.

To be eligible for an L-1 visa, the employee is required to have been employed with the overseas branch of the U.S. company for a minimum of one year within the three years preceding their transfer to the U.S. branch.

There is no annual limit on the number of ‘new’ L-1s that can be issued each year.

No, L-1 do not have a minimum educational requirement as these visas solely focus on bringing employees from the foreign company to the U.S. affiliated company in an executive or high-level managerial role, or someone who manages an essential function of the business and/or employees who have advanced/specialized knowledge in the company’s services, products, equipment, etc.    

For eligibility to petition for an L-1 visa, both the U.S. company and its foreign counterpart must belong to one of five specific classifications. These include being a Branch, a Subsidiary, Affiliates, Joint Venture Partners, or an International Accounting Firm.

The restructuring of your company can impact your L-1 visa status. According to the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), both the foreign and U.S. companies must satisfy specific criteria to qualify for an L-1 visa. If, following a corporate acquisition or merger, the relationship between these two entities ceases to exist, this could pose a problem for your L-1 visa eligibility. On the other hand, if the successor company maintains a qualifying relationship with the foreign company, it may be necessary to file an amended petition to reflect these changes.

Indeed, you have the option to transition from an L-1A visa to an L-1B visa, or the other way around. According to USCIS guidelines, your role with the U.S. company does not necessarily have to be identical to the one you held with the foreign company. This means if you were employed as a worker with advanced specialized knowledge in the foreign company, you are eligible to work in the U.S. entity as a manager or executive, and similarly, those in executive or managerial roles in the foreign entity can switch to positions involving specialized knowledge in the U.S.

Yes, just like the H-1B visa an L-1 visa is a dual intent visa. This means that you, as a nonimmigrant beneficiary, can continue working in your L-1 visa even though you may have taken steps to obtain your green card.

The base filing fee to file form I-129 is $460 (this fee will always be submitted with any L-1 petition whether it is new employment, a change of status to L-1, renewal, and/or an extension), for any initial filings for L-1 visa for a new beneficiary the employer must also pay a fraud prevention and detection fee of $500 (note that this is a one-time fee meaning you won’t have to pay this fee when extending the beneficiary’s status), also, any employer who employes 50 or more individuals in the U.S. may be subject to paying an additional $4,500 if 50% of those employees are in H-1B or L-1 status.  Lastly, if you choose to file the petition with premium processing that is an additional filing fee of $2,500.

L-1 processing timelines can vary depending on the complexity of the case. To check the current processing times for L-1 cases you can visit the following website: https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times.

If your employer decides to file your L-1 petition under “premium processing”, you should have an update on your petition within 10-15 calendar days.

Yes, your L-2 dependent spouse will be granted L-2S status which will grant them employment authorization.

Your spouse and/or unmarried children under 21 will apply for L-2 status to join you in the US.

Your child(ren) will be able enroll and attend school for the duration of their L-2 nonimmigrant status. It is essential to note, however, that while they hold L-2 status, they will not be eligible for employment benefits typically associated with F-1 student status, such as post-completion Optional Practical Training. In addition, L-2 minors enrolled in U.S. universities who reach the age of 21 must switch to an F-1 visa to continue their studies.

This will vary depending on which L-1 visa you are granted. For example, if you are granted L-1A status you will be allowed to stay in the U.S. on L-1A status for a maximum of 7 years. Whereas, if you are granted L-1B status you will be allowed to stay in the U.S. for a maximum of 5 years.

Yes, you can recapture time on your L-1 status. Your L-1 clock stops when you travel outside of the US. This means if you come to the US for 1 year and then you leave the U.S. for any duration of time, USCIS will not count the time you spend outside of the U.S. as part of your L-1 nonimmigrant status. Your L-1 “clock” stops for the duration you are outside the U.S.

No, after you have reached the limit of your 5- or 7-year visa, it cannot be extended any further. However, your employer has the option to file for permanent residency on your behalf, which would enable you and your family to change your status to that of lawful permanent residents.

Yes, purchasing a house on L-1 status is possible.

Unlike an H-1B visa, there is no prevailing wage or minimum salary requirement for an L-1 visa holders.

Yes, you can attend school while on an L-1 status, as long as the primary purpose of your stay in the U.S. on an L-1 visa is to remain employed with the sponsoring company.

An immigration lawyer can assist the prospective L-1 beneficiary and employer in preparing the strongest case possible for L-1 petition approval. In the majority of instances, an experienced immigration attorney may be able to determine beforehand whether the position and/or credentials qualify for an L-1.

Most State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may issue a limited duration Driver’s license once you show them the receipt notice for the pending L-1 petition.

No, it’s not possible to work for multiple unrelated employers while on L-1 status. You are only limited to working for the company who has a relationship with your foreign company.

No, it’s not possible to be an independent contractor while on L-1 status. A bona-fide employer-employee relationship, typically evidenced by a W-2 form, must exist between you and your L-1 employer.

No, you’re not permitted to freelance on a L-1 status. A bona-fide employer-employee relationship, typically evidenced by a W-2 form, must exist between you and your L-1 employer.

Meet Attorney Asheesh Sharma – Your Trusted Advisor

With years of experience in employment-based immigration, Sharma Law Offices has a proven track record of successful cases. Our nuanced understanding of U.S. immigration laws ensures that your case is in capable hands.

Atlanta Employment Immigration Lawyer Asheesh Sharma
American Immigration Lawyers Association
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See What Our Clients Say

Ek AmdavadiEk Amdavadi
17:41 20 Oct 23
He is my go to attorney if I need any help with immigration. He is just very straightforward, genuine and honest. He will never give you any false advise. I know him since 2014 and I used him again for a family member recently. When it comes to attorney we don’t just trust anyone but Asheesh is someone you can definitely trust. I would refer him to friends and family and I would definitely recommend him.
Ibrahim El-ShekeilIbrahim El-Shekeil
16:18 15 Jun 23
I had a fantastic experience with Sharma Law Offices, LLC. They were incredibly organized and provided honest guidance throughout the entire process. Their expertise and professionalism were exceptional, and I felt confident and supported every step of the way. I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of immigration assistance. Thank you for your outstanding work!
Pranesha NaidooPranesha Naidoo
00:38 07 May 23
I wanted to express my gratitude for the exceptional service that your law form provided in helping me renew my green card. Your team was always available to answer my questions and provide guidance. Your team's commitment to excellence is evident in the quality of your work and I am grateful for the positive outcome. I highly recommend your law firm to anyone in need of immigration services.
Yusuke LegardYusuke Legard
21:21 31 Mar 23
- Fantastic experience with Sharma Law Offices.- They are transparent and take the time to explain the entire application processes.- Thoroughly diligent in their work and appreciate them answering all my questions.- Thank you!
Praveen ManthenaPraveen Manthena
13:07 25 Jan 23
Gehendra KcGehendra Kc
05:30 27 Nov 22
Still i am waiting for one my answers please contact soon
Yasin Ben MahmudYasin Ben Mahmud
03:08 03 Nov 22
I’m glad that we chose the right firm to file my H1B petition. Mr. Sharma and his assistant, Ciara, were so professional with preparing and submitting all required documents in a timely manner. I’m very satisfied and happy that my H1B petition got approved.Thank you, Sharma Law Offices, LLC!
G AganG Agan
14:46 20 Oct 22
Great service and communication, with timely responses. Even one consultation results in more useful information and advice that other providers who will post a seemingly low rate but then overbill you once you sign a retainer agreement.Highly recommend.
N MN M
13:52 16 Aug 22
I highly recommend "Sharma Law Offices, LLC" to anyone seeking immigration services. Mr. Sharma and staff are very knowledgeable, proficient and are easy to work with.Thank you Mr. Sharma for helping my family and friends for all our immigration needs.This Law office is the best in the area.
Krishna ChinnasamyKrishna Chinnasamy
13:25 08 Aug 22
I highly recommend "Sharma Law Offices, LLC" to anyone seeking immigration advice. Asheesh and his team always guides and resolves any struggle that we had in our H1/H4 visas.I had many unfortunate situations in my permanent resident path such as travelling abroad, labor, perm change, job location and company acquisition. Despite many unfair laws/legislation terms, they never hesitated to put extra miles in clearing all the obstacles on our way. Thank you Asheesh and Liliana for your great service. We truly appreciate your efforts in getting me and my wife's Green card.
Ketan VedpathakKetan Vedpathak
17:08 31 Jul 22
While qualified applicants should have every right “to believe” that they will get a Green Card, none of us have an actual “right-to” green card. This is what I learned during my GC application journey…That being said, Asheesh & team did an amazing job of getting me my much coveted Immigration Status, merely within 6 months!!!At the outset Asheesh, made every effort to know my full background, so he could “time” my application appropriately, given that I was in out-of-country, stranded due to COVID situation awaiting H1 approval.When it was finally time for AOS filing, Liliana walked me through the entire process step-wise, and made it super-convenient to apply via the company portal. She was extremely patient with me, as I fell short of key documents. However, in the end she made sure I get to my nearly seemingly impossible destination of becoming a Permanent Resident!!!Hat's off to the Sharma Law Office staff…
Madhukar NMadhukar N
14:36 10 May 22
Ashish helped us a lot in H1B and GC filing for us. So far all applications were accepted and approved by USCIS. We have received our GCs few months ago. Great job by Sharma Law Office.
Sanjay SenthilkumarSanjay Senthilkumar
17:10 06 Mar 22
I have not interacted with them in the longest term. But they were instrumental in helping me with my H1B application. The entire application happened online and they were extremely courteous and understanding compared to most of the big name lawyers I have worked withI hope that I get to meet Mr. Sharma in person so that I can show my gratitude
Sharma Law offices is an full service legal establishment to help you with all you U.S. immigration needs. I have been helped by Asheesh Sharma and his team at every stage of my immigration process since 2010. They are extremely knowledgeable and diligent in their approach. In this ever changing political landscape and immigration laws, if you are looking for any answers regarding immigration, I would strongly advise you to pick up the phone and give them a call instead of relying on any online resource.
Ek AmdavadiEk Amdavadi
17:41 20 Oct 23
He is my go to attorney if I need any help with immigration. He is just very straightforward, genuine and honest. He will never give you any false advise. I know him since 2014 and I used him again for a family member recently. When it comes to attorney we don’t just trust anyone but Asheesh is someone you can definitely trust. I would refer him to friends and family and I would definitely recommend him.
Ibrahim El-ShekeilIbrahim El-Shekeil
16:18 15 Jun 23
I had a fantastic experience with Sharma Law Offices, LLC. They were incredibly organized and provided honest guidance throughout the entire process. Their expertise and professionalism were exceptional, and I felt confident and supported every step of the way. I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of immigration assistance. Thank you for your outstanding work!
Pranesha NaidooPranesha Naidoo
00:38 07 May 23
I wanted to express my gratitude for the exceptional service that your law form provided in helping me renew my green card. Your team was always available to answer my questions and provide guidance. Your team's commitment to excellence is evident in the quality of your work and I am grateful for the positive outcome. I highly recommend your law firm to anyone in need of immigration services.
Yusuke LegardYusuke Legard
21:21 31 Mar 23
- Fantastic experience with Sharma Law Offices.- They are transparent and take the time to explain the entire application processes.- Thoroughly diligent in their work and appreciate them answering all my questions.- Thank you!
Praveen ManthenaPraveen Manthena
13:07 25 Jan 23
Gehendra KcGehendra Kc
05:30 27 Nov 22
Still i am waiting for one my answers please contact soon
Yasin Ben MahmudYasin Ben Mahmud
03:08 03 Nov 22
I’m glad that we chose the right firm to file my H1B petition. Mr. Sharma and his assistant, Ciara, were so professional with preparing and submitting all required documents in a timely manner. I’m very satisfied and happy that my H1B petition got approved.Thank you, Sharma Law Offices, LLC!
G AganG Agan
14:46 20 Oct 22
Great service and communication, with timely responses. Even one consultation results in more useful information and advice that other providers who will post a seemingly low rate but then overbill you once you sign a retainer agreement.Highly recommend.
N MN M
13:52 16 Aug 22
I highly recommend "Sharma Law Offices, LLC" to anyone seeking immigration services. Mr. Sharma and staff are very knowledgeable, proficient and are easy to work with.Thank you Mr. Sharma for helping my family and friends for all our immigration needs.This Law office is the best in the area.
Krishna ChinnasamyKrishna Chinnasamy
13:25 08 Aug 22
I highly recommend "Sharma Law Offices, LLC" to anyone seeking immigration advice. Asheesh and his team always guides and resolves any struggle that we had in our H1/H4 visas.I had many unfortunate situations in my permanent resident path such as travelling abroad, labor, perm change, job location and company acquisition. Despite many unfair laws/legislation terms, they never hesitated to put extra miles in clearing all the obstacles on our way. Thank you Asheesh and Liliana for your great service. We truly appreciate your efforts in getting me and my wife's Green card.
Ketan VedpathakKetan Vedpathak
17:08 31 Jul 22
While qualified applicants should have every right “to believe” that they will get a Green Card, none of us have an actual “right-to” green card. This is what I learned during my GC application journey…That being said, Asheesh & team did an amazing job of getting me my much coveted Immigration Status, merely within 6 months!!!At the outset Asheesh, made every effort to know my full background, so he could “time” my application appropriately, given that I was in out-of-country, stranded due to COVID situation awaiting H1 approval.When it was finally time for AOS filing, Liliana walked me through the entire process step-wise, and made it super-convenient to apply via the company portal. She was extremely patient with me, as I fell short of key documents. However, in the end she made sure I get to my nearly seemingly impossible destination of becoming a Permanent Resident!!!Hat's off to the Sharma Law Office staff…
Madhukar NMadhukar N
14:36 10 May 22
Ashish helped us a lot in H1B and GC filing for us. So far all applications were accepted and approved by USCIS. We have received our GCs few months ago. Great job by Sharma Law Office.
Sanjay SenthilkumarSanjay Senthilkumar
17:10 06 Mar 22
I have not interacted with them in the longest term. But they were instrumental in helping me with my H1B application. The entire application happened online and they were extremely courteous and understanding compared to most of the big name lawyers I have worked withI hope that I get to meet Mr. Sharma in person so that I can show my gratitude
Sharma Law offices is an full service legal establishment to help you with all you U.S. immigration needs. I have been helped by Asheesh Sharma and his team at every stage of my immigration process since 2010. They are extremely knowledgeable and diligent in their approach. In this ever changing political landscape and immigration laws, if you are looking for any answers regarding immigration, I would strongly advise you to pick up the phone and give them a call instead of relying on any online resource.
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