U.S. Visa L1

L1 Visa has a fixed duration, which is limited by the type of visa and the job itself. Being aware of the timeline enables you to structure career path, family life, and potential Green Card. This is what you should know.

L1 visa duration overview

Initial Approval Period:

• L1A (Executives & Managers): Up to 3 years
• L1B (Specialized Knowledge Employees): Up to 2 years

Maximum Total Stay:

• L1A: Can be extended to a total of 7 years
• L1B: Can be extended to a total of 5 years

Extensions Available:

Both L1A and L1B visas can be renewed in increments (typically 2 years at a time) until reaching the maximum limit.

Key factors affecting the validity period of L1 visa

Company Needs:

Your employer in the U.S. should demonstrate that the company still needs you and you contribute to the success of the business. You have to demonstrate that you are helping the company in its daily operations and future development when you are on an L1 visa.

Visa Type Matters:

• L1A holders get more time (7 years max) due to their leadership responsibilities.
• L1B professionals receive 5 years, ideal for project-based or technical roles.

Green Card Transition:

• L1A visa holders often transition to an EB-1C green card before the 7-year limit.
• L1B employees may switch to other employment-based green cards (e.g., EB-2 or EB-3).

What is the significance of this timeline?

• To the professionals: A lot of time to develop in the company and establish in the United States
• To businesses: The ability to retain the best talent in the long term and grow the business
• To families: Stability to spouses (who may work) and children (who may attend schools in the United States)

L1 visa is a long-term, intelligent solution to succeeding in the United States, either as a team leader, expert, or someone who is establishing a new life with the family.

Visit uomglobal.com for expert guidance on your L1 visa journey.

L-1 visa is a U.S. work visa that is meant to be issued to professional individuals who are already employed by a foreign firm and wish to relocate to the United States so that they can be employed in the same firm. The visa assists the companies in increasing their operations in the U.S. and provides a clear path to the U.S. jobs to the talented employees.

Key Highlights of the L-1 Visa

Who are eligible for L-1 visa?

An L-1 visa is available to an executive, manager (L-1A), or an employee with specialized knowledge (L-1B) who is being transferred from a foreign office to a related company in the United States.

What are the reasons to select an L-1 visa?

• Quick U.S. entry: Your application may be accepted within months (not years) and you can begin to work promptly.
• Permanent security: You are allowed to remain about 7 years to develop your career and business.
• Priority Green Card: You are eligible to apply to EB-1C, the quickest way to permanent residence.
• Global career development: Move to your company in the U.S. and develop your career in the world.
• Business growth: Have your presence and develop in the biggest economy in the world.
• Family benefits: Your spouse will be able to work right away and your children will receive a high-quality education in the United States.

How long can you stay?

• L-1A (Managers/Executives): Up to 7 years
• L-1B (Specialized Knowledge): Up to 5 years

Eligibility requirements:

• Must have worked for the foreign company for at least 1 year in the last 3 years.
• The U.S. and foreign companies must have a qualifying relationship (parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate).
• The U.S. office must be operational or planning to open soon.

How does L-1 visa compare to other visa options?

While the L-1 visa offers exceptional advantages, it's important to understand how it stacks up against alternatives:

• L-1 visa is a preferred option in case you desire a visa that is not based on a lottery and is fast in processing the applications. The L-1 visa does not entail a university degree as it is the case with the H-1B visa. The L-1 allows spouses to work immediately whereas H-1B families have to wait years to get this privilege.
• The L-1 visa is also superior to the E-2 visa which only applies to specific treaty countries and requires a minimum investment.
• When you compare the EB-5 Investor Program to the L-1visa, it is less costly and quicker with less obstacle. Both the routes result in permanent residency, but the L-1 visa is a more stable route.

L-1 visa is the primary solution when multinational corporations are willing to relocate essential personnel and provide their families with benefits and long-term U.S. opportunities. The L-1 visa has the perfect combination of flexibility, speed and steadiness, making it the gold standard in corporate transfers.

Begin your U.S. L1 visa application with expert guidance - contact us now at uomglobal.com.

It depends on your specific situation, but the L1 can be superior to H-1B in some situations, especially with executives, managers or highly skilled employees who are transferring to the same company. The following is a comparison in detail to guide you to make the right choice on the type of visa that best suits you.

Key Differences Between L1 and H-1B Visas

Eligibility Requirements

L1 Visa: This visa applies to those employees transferring to the U.S. office of the same company in a foreign branch.There are two forms:

• L1A: To the managers or executives. This status is applicable to a maximum of 7 years.
• L1B: To the employees having special knowledge. This status lasts until a period of 5 years.
• No degree or lottery is needed, hence this visa is more foreseeable than the H-1B.

H-1B Visa: This is a visa granted to individuals in special occupations, that is jobs that typically require a bachelor degree or higher.

• It is available to 85,000 people a year only. All applicants will have to participate in a lottery.
• The employer also has to demonstrate that it made an attempt to employ a U.S. worker but failed (Labor Condition Application).

Processing Time & Approval Chances

• L1: Faster processing (especially with Premium Processing in 15 calendar days). Since there’s no lottery, approval depends on proving the company relationship and job role.
• H-1B: Lottery odds are roughly 30-40% in recent years. Even if selected, processing can take months unless expedited.

Green Card Pathway

Both visas allow dual intent (applying for a green card while on a temporary visa).

• L1A holders can directly apply for an EB-1C green card (multinational executive/manager), which is faster than the PERM process required for H-1B.
• H-1B holders typically go through PERM labor certification, which is slower and more complex.

Work Rights for Dependents

• L2 visa holders (spouses of L1 workers): Can apply for an EAD (work permit) immediately upon arrival.
• H4 visa holders (spouses of H-1B workers): Only eligible for work permits if the H-1B holder has an approved I-140 (green card petition).

Job Flexibility & Employer Dependency

• L1: Tied to the sponsoring employer; changing jobs requires a new visa.
• H-1B: More portable; can transfer to a new employer (though lottery rules still apply for extensions).

Which Visa Is Better for You?

Choose the L1 visa if:

• You’re transferring from a foreign company to its U.S. branch.
• You want to avoid the H-1B lottery.
• Your spouse needs work authorization quickly.
• You’re an executive/manager seeking a faster green card (EB-1C).

Choose the H-1B visa if:

• You don’t qualify for an L1 (e.g., no foreign employer connection).
• You want more job flexibility (ability to change employers).
• Your employer is willing to sponsor you despite the lottery risk.

The L-1 visa is generally more desirable to qualified intracompany transferees since it does not involve a lottery, it offers a quicker route to a green card and it permits L-1 spouses to work. H-1B visa remains a good alternative to professionals not in multinational companies.

In case you require personal assistance, uomglobal.com can provide professional assistance in selecting the appropriate visa.

The L1 visa allows the U.S. companies that have their offices abroad to transfer their skilled employees that work in these offices to the U.S. to work there temporarily. This alternative assists the companies in maintaining their workforce flowing and maintain the relevant skills close.

Types and conditions of L1 visa

L1A Visa (Managers & Executives)

This visa is issued to senior employees (managers or executives) who are employed in the U.S office of a company which they work in or in a qualifying affiliate. It allows companies to transfer business executives to the United States and the visa holders may then request permanent residency (Green Card).

Conditions of L1A visa:

• Must have worked abroad for the company (or its affiliate/subsidiary) for at least 1 year within the last 3 years.
• Must be entering the U.S. to work in a managerial or executive role.
• No degree requirement, but experience must justify the role.
• Allows for dual intent (can apply for a Green Card).
• Initial stay: Up to 3 years, extendable to a maximum of 7 years.

L1B Visa (Specialized Knowledge Employees)

L1B visa allows multinational corporations to transfer a highly skilled worker with specialized skills in a job to their American office. The best type of visa that suits the company is the one that suits experts on the systems, processes, or technology of the company so that the business can operate anywhere without any problem.

Conditions of L1B visa:

• Must have worked abroad for the company (or its affiliate/subsidiary) for at least 1 year within the last 3 years.
• Must possess specialized knowledge (proprietary expertise in company processes, systems, or products).
• No degree requirement, but must demonstrate unique skills.
• Allows for dual intent (can apply for a Green Card).
• Initial stay: Up to 3 years, extendable to a maximum of 5 years.

L1 Visa Employer Eligibility & Requirements

Both the American company and the foreign company have to conform to some regulations in order to obtain an L1 visa. The following are the key requirements of each: 

Employer Requirements

• The U.S. and foreign offices must have a qualifying relationship (parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate).
• The U.S. company must be actively conducting business (not just formed).

New Office L1 Visa Option

• Employees can transfer to help establish a new U.S. office.
• Must show:

• Physical office space secured.
• Sufficient financial resources to operate.
• A viable business plan.
• Initial approval: 1 year, with extensions possible.

Who Does NOT Qualify for an L1 Visa?

You cannot apply for an L1 visa if:

• You are a freelancer or independent contractor (you can only be a full-time employee).
• You have worked for the company for less than 1 year of continuous service before the transfer.
• Your position is not specialized or management.

Let UOM Global guide you through the process! Visit uomglobal.com for expert assistance.

The L1A is for managers/executives transferring to oversee U.S. operations. The L1B is for employees with specialized knowledge (e.g., unique technical skills). Both require 1+ year with the company abroad, but L1A allows longer stays (up to 7 years vs. 5 for L1B).

Standard processing takes 6-12 months. For faster results, Premium Processing (additional fee) guarantees a USCIS response within 15 calendar days. Interview scheduling varies by consulate (typically 1-4 weeks).