L-1 Visa: U.S. Intra-Company Transfer Visa

The L-1 visa is a non-immigrant U.S. visa that allows companies to transfer employees and their family from an office outside the United States to a related office within the U.S.

Bring Your Global Talent to the U.S. — Legally, Efficiently, and Strategically

The L-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that enables international companies to transfer key employees from a foreign office to a related office in the United States. Whether you’re opening a new U.S. branch or scaling up your presence, the L-1 visa offers a pathway for executives, managers, and professionals with specialized knowledge to legally live and work in the U.S.

Who is Eligible for an L-1 Visa?
To qualify, both the company and the employee must meet specific requirements:

For the Employee:
Must have worked at least 1 continuous year in the past 3 years for the foreign company.

Must be coming to the U.S. to serve in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge capacity.

For the Company:
The U.S. and foreign offices must have a qualifying relationship (parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate).

When opening a new U.S. office, the company must provide a business plan, office lease, and evidence of intent to support the transferred role.

Types of L-1 Visas

L-1A Visa

For executives and managers
Valid for up to 7 years
Often used to open new U.S. branches

L-1B Visa

For employees with specialized knowledge
Valid for up to 5 years
Often used in technical or proprietary roles

Why Choose the L-1 Visa?

Ideal for multinational companies expanding into the U.S.
Allows dual intent (you can apply for a Green Card without affecting your status).
Faster and more flexible than H-1B for intra-company transfers.
Option to bring dependents (spouse and children under 21).

Required Documents (Overview)

Proof of the U.S.–foreign company relationship
Employee’s work history & job description
Detailed business plan (if opening a new office)
Organizational charts, lease agreements, and payroll records
USCIS Form I-129 (petition for a nonimmigrant worker)

Processing Time & Validity

USCIS processing: 1–3 months (or 15 days with Premium Processing)
Initial stay:

– L-1A: 1 year (new office) or 3 years (existing office)

– L-1B: 3 years

Extensions:

L-1A: up to 7 years total
L-1B: up to 5 years total

L-2 Dependents

Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can apply for L-2 visas, allowing them to live in the U.S. Spouses may apply for work authorization.

How UIMEX can Help

At UIMEX, we provide full-service support for L-1 visa applicants, from document preparation to USCIS filing. Whether you’re opening a new U.S. branch or transferring key personnel, our team ensures a smooth, compliant, and strategic transition into the American business landscape.

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