The L-1 lets a company move a manager, executive, or specialist from a foreign office to a US one, or open a new US branch. It needs no personal investment, allows your spouse to work, and, unlike the E-2, opens a clean path to a green card.
For staff who direct the organisation or a department. Granted up to seven years and maps directly onto the EB-1C green card category for multinational managers.
For employees with specialised knowledge of the company’s products, services, or systems. Granted up to five years, with green-card routes usually through EB-2 or EB-3.
You must have worked for the qualifying company abroad for at least one continuous year within the three years before the transfer.
The US and foreign entities must be related as parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate. The company must keep doing business in both countries.
You can use the L-1 to open a US branch. New-office L-1A is granted for one year first, then extended once the office is trading and staffed.
Unlike the E-2, the L-1 allows dual intent, so you can pursue a green card without jeopardising your status.
Your spouse enters on an L-2 visa and is authorised to work in the US. Children under 21 can live and study.
L-1A managers and executives map neatly onto the EB-1C green card category, which does not require labour certification.
USA
L-1A is for managers and executives and lasts up to seven years. L-1B is for employees with specialised knowledge of the company's products or processes and lasts up to five years.
No. The L-1 is employer-sponsored, not investment-based. The cost is in establishing or maintaining a genuine qualifying business relationship between the foreign and US entities, not a set capital sum.
Yes. Because the L-1 permits dual intent, holders can apply for permanent residence. L-1A managers and executives commonly transition to the EB-1C green card; L-1B staff usually move through EB-2 or EB-3.
Yes, through the new-office L-1. An existing company abroad can send a qualifying manager or specialist to open a US branch. The first approval is for one year, then extensions depend on the office being operational.