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L-1 Visa

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L-1 Business Visa

L-1 Business Visa

For executives and managers transferring from foreign offices to the U.S.

This visa is ideal for business owners operating outside the United States who also hold executive or managerial roles, such as CEOs or high-level managers.

It allows eligible professionals to live and work in the U.S. for a maximum duration of up to 7 years.

Visa Application Steps

Visa Details

Advantages

The L-1 visa offers a powerful pathway for foreign business owners and executives to legally expand operations into the U.S. It's ideal for entrepreneurs who manage or own a company abroad and want to transfer leadership to a U.S. branch or open a new office. With family benefits, green card eligibility, and long-term stay options, the L-1 visa supports both business growth and personal stability.

Employee Transfers

Transfer executives or key staff from international branches to the U.S.

Quick Processing

L-1 visas are processed faster than many other employment-based visas.

Extended Stay

Stay in the U.S. for up to 7 years depending on your role.

Green Card Path

Eligible to transition from nonimmigrant to permanent residency.

Business Expansion

Open or grow your U.S. branch by relocating key leadership.

Family Benefits

Spouses can work, and children may attend school in the U.S.

Applicant Requirements

To qualify for the L-1 visa, both the applicant and their employer must meet specific legal and operational requirements. Below is a breakdown of the key eligibility criteria for employees, employers, and startup ventures.

01
Qualifications of the Employee
• Must have worked for a qualifying organization abroad for one continuous year within the last 3 years
• Must be entering the U.S. to work in an executive or managerial role for the same or affiliated company
• Must comply with the internal 3-stage management system
• Level 2 roles may include department chiefs or professionals
02
Qualifications of the Employer
• Company must employ at least 15 people
• Company must have existed for at least one year
• Applicant cannot be just an owner; otherwise classified as an investor
03
Possible Company Types in the U.S.
• Startup
• Purchase of an existing company
• Open an affiliated company
• A business development plan is required
04
Requirements for a Startup
• An office must be secured
• At least 5 employees by the end of year one is recommended
• At least 8 employees by the end of year three is recommended
• Recommended capitalization of $150,000 or more

Timelines

The L-1 visa process includes several key stages, each with its own timeframe. While standard processing can take several months, premium options are available to expedite review. These timelines provide a general overview, but actual durations may vary based on the specifics of your case and USCIS workload.

Case Submission

Up to 6 months

Petition Review

3–6 months

Premium Processing

Up to 15 days

Validity

3 years for existing business (max 7 years)\n1 year for start-up (max 7 years)

Comparison with Other Visas

This comparison highlights key differences between the L-1 Visa and other common employment-based visa options such as EB-1C and EB-3. It helps you understand how the L-1 stands apart in terms of timelines, renewability, and applicant types.

Criteria L-1 Visa EB-1C Visa EB-3 Visa
For whom International managers and executives International managers and executives For high-skilled specialists
Investments N/A N/A N/A
Citizenship N/A In 5 years In 5 years
Renewal 1 or 3-year extensions for 2 years N/A N/A
Achievements N/A N/A N/A
Approval time Up to 12 months 8 months - 1.5 years 2.5 months
Premium Processing Up to 15 days Up to 45 days Up to 15 days

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most common questions applicants ask about the L-1 visa process, eligibility, and benefits.

  • Who qualifies for an L-1 visa?
    To qualify, the employee must have worked for a qualifying foreign entity for at least one continuous year in the past three years and be transferring to a U.S. office in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge role.
  • How long can I stay in the U.S. on an L-1 visa?
    For new offices, the L-1 is typically granted for 1 year. For established offices, it's granted for up to 3 years with extensions available up to a maximum of 7 years.
  • Can my family come with me on an L-1 visa?
    Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can apply for L-2 visas. Spouses can also apply for work authorization in the U.S.
  • Can an L-1 visa lead to a green card?
    Yes. Many L-1A visa holders transition to a green card under the EB-1C category for multinational executives and managers.
  • Can I apply for premium processing?
    Yes. Premium processing is available for L-1 visas and provides a response from USCIS within 15 calendar days for an additional fee.