L-1A / L-1B Intracompany Transfer Visa Help
Overview
The L-1 visa lets a multinational company transfer an employee from a related foreign office to a U.S. office. L-1A is for managers and executives; L-1B is for employees with specialized knowledge of the company's products, services, or processes. The U.S. entity files Form I-129, and large employers can use a streamlined “blanket L”. Genius Getaway supports the qualifying-relationship evidence and the role documentation that L-1 cases turn on.
Who Qualifies
- You worked for the related foreign company for at least one continuous year within the past three years.
- There is a qualifying relationship between the foreign and U.S. entities (parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate).
- You are coming to work in a managerial or executive role (L-1A) or a specialized-knowledge role (L-1B).
- For a brand-new U.S. office, you can meet the additional “new-office” requirements.
Documents We Help Prepare
- Form I-129 with the L supplement
- Proof of the qualifying corporate relationship (ownership records, org charts, financial statements)
- Evidence of your role and duties abroad and the role you'll fill in the U.S.
- Employment records proving one year abroad in the past three years
- Specialized-knowledge evidence (for L-1B)
- Support letters from the foreign and U.S. entities
- Passport and, for consular processing, the DS-160 and photo
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Confirm the qualifying relationship and your eligibility
- 2
Employer files Form I-129 (or uses an approved blanket L)
- 3
USCIS adjudicates the petition
- 4
If you're abroad: complete the DS-160 and attend a consular interview
- 5
Visa stamping and entry
Timelines & Fees
L-1A status is available for up to seven years and L-1B for up to five. Government fees are paid by the employer, and premium processing is optional. L-1 allows dual intent — L-1A managers/executives often pursue an EB-1C green card. Government filing and visa fees are set by USCIS and the U.S. Department of State and change periodically — confirm current amounts at uscis.gov and travel.state.gov. Our service fee is separate and quoted upfront before you begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between L-1A and L-1B?
L-1A is for managers and executives and allows up to seven years; L-1B is for employees with specialized knowledge and allows up to five. The evidence each requires is different, which is where cases succeed or fail.
What is a new-office L-1?
When the U.S. entity is new, the petition must show the plan, premises, and ability to support the role, and is usually approved for one year initially before extension.
Can an L-1 lead to a green card?
Yes. L-1 allows dual intent; L-1A managers and executives commonly transition to the EB-1C employment-based green card.
Can my spouse work on an L-2?
Spouses in L-2 status are generally eligible for work authorization, which we help you obtain.
What is a blanket L?
Large qualifying employers can obtain a blanket L approval that streamlines individual transfers, so eligible employees process more quickly at the consulate.
Does time on other statuses count toward the L-1 limit?
Time spent in the U.S. in L or H status generally counts toward the maximum. We help you track and plan around it.
Related Services
Ready to Get Started?
Book a consultation and let Genius Getaway assemble the corporate-relationship and role evidence your L-1 petition depends on.
Important Disclaimer
- We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with USCIS or the U.S. Department of State.
- We do not guarantee visa approval — all decisions are made solely by the relevant government authorities.
- We provide document preparation, review, and application support only, and do not provide legal advice.