Understanding the L-1 Visa: A Guide for Intra-Company Transfers

The L-1 visa is a powerful tool for international companies seeking to transfer employees to their U.S. offices. It allows qualified employees of a foreign company to work in the United States if their employer has a related office, branch, or subsidiary in the U.S.

✅ What is the L-1 Visa?

The L-1 visa is a non-immigrant work visa designed for intra-company transferees. It’s commonly used by:

• Multinational companies expanding to the U.S.

• Foreign employees taking on managerial or executive roles.

• Workers with specialized knowledge essential to business operations.

  
  

🔍 Types of L-1 Visas:

1. L-1A Visa – For executives and managers.

   • Valid for up to 7 years.

2. L-1B Visa – For employees with specialized knowledge.

   • Valid for up to 5 years.

   
   

📌 Key Requirements:

• The employee must have worked at least one year in the past three years for the foreign company.

• The U.S. company must have a qualifying relationship with the foreign company (parent, branch, affiliate, or subsidiary).

• The employee must be transferred to a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role in the U.S.

🌎 Why Choose an L-1 Visa?

• No labor certification required (faster than some other visas).

• Pathway to a green card (especially L-1A holders).

• Spouses of L-1 visa holders (L-2) can apply for work authorization.

• Ideal for startups opening U.S. branches.

📁 How Accura Law Can Help

At Accura Immigration, we assist businesses and professionals around the world in navigating the L-1 process with confidence. From preparing detailed documentation to ensuring compliance, we guide you through every step—so you can focus on growing your team in the U.S.