Visa USA
USA L1 Visa Overview
Shreehari Immigration provides professional support for the USA L1 Visa and L1 Visa, helping companies transfer executives, managers, and specialized employees to the U.S. efficiently.
visa L1
What is the L1 Visa?
The L1 visa is a non-immigrant U.S. visa category designed for intracompany transferees. It allows multinational companies to transfer employees from their foreign offices to work in the U.S. temporarily.
Key Points:
- Allows companies to transfer managers, executives, or employees with specialized knowledge to U.S. offices.
- Helps maintain a global presence while overseeing projects, managing operations, and sharing expertise.
- Employees can work in the U.S. temporarily, with extensions available depending on visa type.
L1A vs L1B Visa
| L-1A Visa (Managers/Executives): | L-1B Visa (Specialized Knowledge): |
|---|---|
| For managers or executives transferred to a U.S. office of the same multinational company. | For employees with specialized knowledge of the company’s products, services, technology, or procedures. |
| Typically involves overseeing a significant portion of operations or managing a critical business function. | Knowledge must be advanced and not commonly possessed by other employees in the industry. |
Visa Eligibility
L1 Visa Eligibility
For the Employee (L1 Applicant):
Employment with Qualify Organization
Must be employed by a multinational company with a qualifying relationship to the U.S. entity.
Position Qualification
L-1A: Must work in a managerial or executive capacity.
L-1B: Must have specialized knowledge.
One Year Employment
Must have worked continuously for at least one year in the last three years for the foreign company, outside the U.S., in a qualifying role.
For the Employer (Sponsor):
Qualifying Relationship
U.S. employers must have a parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch relationship with the foreign company.
Active Business in U.S.A
Must have a physical office or operational plan for a new office.
Employment Offer
Must offer a valid position and be willing to file an L-1 petition with USCIS.
Support
L1 Visa Cost
- Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker)Filing Fee: $1385 (varies for smaller employers and nonprofits)
- Anti-Fraud Fee: $500 (may apply in certain cases)
- Premium Processing (optional): $2805 for expedited processing (15–45 calendar days)
Approval
After USA L1 Visa Approval
Change of Status (Inside the U.S.)
- If you are already in the United States on a different visa, USCIS can approve a change of status to L1.
- You are authorized to work immediately once the change is approved.
- USCIS issues Form I-94, which records your legal status and authorized period of stay.
- Travel outside the U.S. may require you to visit a U.S. consulate abroad to obtain a visa stamp before re-entry.
Consular Processing (Outside the U.S.)
- If you are outside the U.S., your approved visa is stamped in your passport at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- You can then travel to the United States and present your visa at the port of entry.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will create your I-94 record, which confirms your entry and authorized work period.
- You are authorized to work immediately upon arrival.
L1 Visa Timeline
- Standard Processing: Varies by USCIS service center, generally faster than other work visas.
- Premium Processing: Some applicants may opt for premium processing of their Form I-129 for an extra fee. If approved, USCIS typically completes the L-1 visa application within 15 to 45 calendar days.
- Check Processing Times: You can check the current processing times for L-1 visas at each specific USCIS service center.
From the Employer’s Side
- File Form I-129: Include job description, evidence of qualifying relationship, and proof of employee eligibility.
- Pay Required Fees: Include anti-fraud and premium processing fees if applicable.
From the Employee’s Side
- Complete DS-160 Form: Online nonimmigrant visa application.
- Pay Visa Application Fee: Required for the consular appointment.
- Schedule & Attend Visa Interview: Bring supporting documents such as passport, employment offer, and proof of eligibility.
Start your journey
Support
How Shreehari Supports You
- Eligibility Assessment: Personalized strategy to maximize approval chances
- Form Completion & Review: Expert guidance to avoid mistakes
- Interview Scheduling & Coaching: 1:1 mock sessions with consular-trained experts
- Fee Assistance: Help paying government filing fees and scheduling appointments
- Ongoing Support: Guidance post-filing, including reapplication assistance if needed
FAQ
Got questions? We’re on it.
What is the difference between the H-1B and L1 visa?
H-1B: For specialized skills, requires bachelor’s degree, allows employer change.
L-1: For intracompany transferees, requires one year with foreign company, tied to sponsoring employer.
How long can I stay in the U.S. on an L1 visa?
L-1A: Up to 7 years (initial 3 years + extensions).
L-1B: Up to 5 years (initial 3 years + extensions).
Can I apply for a green card on an L1 visa?
Yes, through employment-based immigration, especially EB-1C for executives/managers.
Can my spouse work in the U.S. on an L1 visa?
Yes, L-2 spouses can apply for work authorization.
Can I travel outside the U.S. and re-enter?
Yes, with a valid L1 visa stamp or approved change of status.
Is the L1 visa lottery-based?
No. L1 visas are petition-based and tied to employer sponsorship.