L-1 Visa Solutions: Intracompany Transfers

Transfer Key Employees to Your US Operations with Confidence

Expanding your business to the United States or transferring essential talent requires strategic immigration planning. The L-1 visa program offers multinational companies a powerful tool to transfer executives, managers, and specialized knowledge employees to US operations while maintaining business continuity and compliance.

L-1 Visas are often ideal for companies seeking to:

  • Establish new US offices or subsidiaries

  • Strengthen existing US operations with key personnel

  • Transfer critical knowledge and expertise across borders

  • Develop consistent leadership across global operations


The L-1 visa allows multinational companies to transfer qualified employees from foreign offices to US operations. This non-immigrant visa category is divided into two distinct classifications:

What is the L-1 Visa?

Understanding Your Intracompany Transfer Options

two business women sitting at a table smiling at eachother and holding pens to write in their notebooks

L-1A Visa:

For executives and managers who have worked at a foreign entity for at least one year within the past three years. L-1A visas can be granted for up to 7 years.

female employees in a board room discussing management strategy

L-1B Visa:

For employees with "specialized knowledge" of the company's products, services, research, techniques, or management. L-1B visas can be granted for up to 5 years.

When to Choose the L-1 Visa?

Key Benefits for Multinational Companies

The L-1 visa offers several advantages over other business visa categories:

  • Unlike H-1B visas, there's no annual numerical limitation

  • L-1 holders can pursue permanent residency while maintaining L-1 status


  • Expedited 15-day processing available for time-sensitive transfers

  • L-2 spouses are eligible for work authorization in the US

  • Unlike H-1B visas, no wage thresholds apply

  • Companies can transfer numerous employees under the L-1 program

Common L-1 Visa Challenges

While the L-1 visas present a range of advantages, there are challenges to also consider:

  • Demonstrating legitimate connection between US and foreign entities.

  • Proving position meets USCIS definitions of manager or executive.

  • Meeting increasingly strict specialized knowledge standards.

  • Proving new US operation will support executive/managerial role

  • Presenting comprehensive documentation to prove legitimate and sustainable US operations

L-1 to Green Card Viability

Many L-1 visa holders ultimately seek permanent residency in the United States, particularly for L-1A executives and managers via the EB-1C category. Please engage an attorney to discuss your unique pathway.

L-1 Visa Process: Minimizing Delays and Maximizing Chances of Approval

Whether you're establishing new US operations or strengthening existing entities, our experienced immigration attorneys provide the strategic guidance needed to navigate the L-1 visa process.

Take the first step towards strategic employee transfers: