The L-1 visa is designed for intracompany transferees, allowing multinational companies to transfer key employees from a foreign office to a U.S. office. This visa category is essential for businesses seeking to leverage the expertise of executives, managers, or employees with specialized knowledge to support their operations in the United States. There are two types of L-1 visas: L-1A for executives and managers, and L-1B for employees with specialized knowledge.

To qualify for an L-1 visa, the employee must have worked for the foreign office of the company for at least one continuous year within the past three years. The U.S. entity and the foreign entity must have a qualifying corporate relationship, such as being parent and subsidiary, branches, or affiliates. The U.S. company must demonstrate that the transfer aligns with business needs, whether to establish a new office, oversee operations, or bring specialized skills unavailable locally.

The L-1 visa not only facilitates global mobility but also provides opportunities for the transferred employee to eventually pursue permanent residency. At our firm, we guide businesses and employees through the intricate L-1 process, ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration laws and providing support to achieve successful outcomes for global talent transfers.