The L-1 visa is a non-immigrant work visa that allows multinational companies to transfer employees to the U.S. The two main categories include: 

• L-1A Visa – For executives and managers transferring to an existing U.S. office or establishing a new one 
• L-1B Visa – For employees with specialized knowledge essential to the company’s operations 

Both visas are employer-sponsored and provide a pathway to long-term work opportunities in the U.S., including potential green card sponsorship. 

Employers Must: 

• Have a qualifying relationship between the foreign entity and the U.S. office (parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch) 
• Be actively doing business in both the U.S. and abroad 

Employees Must: 

• Have worked for the foreign employer for at least one continuous year in the past three years 
• Hold a qualifying position as an executive, manager, or specialized knowledge employee 

• Efficient Talent Transfers – Move top executives and specialists with ease 
• U.S. Business Expansion – Establish a new office in the U.S. and transfer key personnel 
• No Labor Certification Required – Unlike many employment-based visas, the L-1 does not require labor certification 

• Work Authorization – Legally work in the U.S. for your multinational employer 
• Family Inclusion – Spouses and children under 21 qualify for L-2 visas, and spouses can apply for work authorization 
• Path to Permanent Residency – L-1A visa holders may transition to a green card under the EB-1C category for multinational managers and executives 

To qualify for an L-1A or L-1B visa, the employer and employee must meet the following criteria: 

• Qualifying Business Relationship – The U.S. and foreign entities must have a parent-subsidiary, branch, or affiliate relationship 
• Valid Job Role – The employee must serve in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge capacity 
• One Year of Prior Employment – The employee must have worked for the foreign company for at least one continuous year in the past three years 

• I-129 Petition Fee: $460 (USCIS fee) 
• Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee: $500 (for initial petitions only) 
• Premium Processing (Optional): $2,805 for expedited 15-day processing 
• Attorney Fees: Contact IBP Immigration Law for a customized quote 

At IBP Immigration Law, we offer transparent pricing and flexible payment options to help businesses and employees successfully navigate the L-1 visa process. 

1. Eligibility Assessment

• IBP Immigration Law evaluates your company structure and the employee’s qualifications to determine eligibility 

2. File the I-129 Petition

• The U.S. employer files Form I-129 with USCIS, including all supporting documents 

3. Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status

• Employees outside the U.S. apply for the L-1 visa at a U.S. consulate 
• Employees already in the U.S. may adjust their status without leaving 

4. Begin Work in the U.S.

• Upon approval, employees can start working immediately for their U.S. employer 

• USCIS Processing: 2-4 months 
• Premium Processing: 15 days (optional) 
• Consular Processing: 1-2 months, depending on location 

IBP Immigration Law ensures timely submission and efficient case preparation to reduce delays and maximize approval chances.