The L-1 visa is one of the most popular ways for multinational companies to transfer employees from their offices abroad to the United States. Unlike the H-1B visa, which is subject to strict caps and lotteries, the L-1 visa is designed specifically for intra-company transfers. If you’re a professional looking to continue your career in the U.S. with your current employer, understanding the L-1 visa qualifications is the first step.
What Is the L-1 Visa?
The L-1 visa allows a U.S. company to bring in employees from its foreign offices, affiliates, or subsidiaries. It is commonly used by executives, managers, and employees with specialized knowledge. There are two main types:
- L-1A Visa: For executives and managers.
- L-1B Visa: For professionals with specialized knowledge.
Both visa types allow the employee to live and work in the U.S. for a set period, with the possibility of extensions.
Key Qualifications for an L-1 Visa in 2025
To qualify for an L-1 visa transfer, both the employer and the employee must meet certain requirements:
Employer Requirements
- The U.S. company and the foreign company must have a qualifying relationship (parent, branch, affiliate, or subsidiary).
- The U.S. company must be actively doing business in the U.S. and at least one other country.
- If transferring to a new U.S. office, the company must show the ability to support the employee’s role.
Employee Requirements
- You must have worked for the foreign company for at least 1 continuous year within the past 3 years.
- You must be coming to the U.S. to work in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge capacity.
- Your position should align with the company’s U.S. business needs.
Duration of Stay on an L-1 Visa
- L-1A Visa (Executives & Managers): Initially valid for up to 1 year if setting up a new office, or up to 3 years otherwise. It can be extended in increments of 2 years, for a maximum of 7 years.
- L-1B Visa (Specialized Knowledge): Initially valid for up to 3 years, extendable to a maximum of 5 years.
Benefits of the L-1 Visa
- No lottery system – approvals are based on eligibility, not chance.
- Dual intent visa – you can apply for a green card while on an L-1.
- Spouse benefits – your spouse (on an L-2 visa) can apply for work authorization in the U.S.
- Flexibility – allows key employees to help grow or manage U.S. operations.
Moving to the U.S. with Your Employer
The L-1 visa is one of the most direct ways to relocate to the U.S. if you’re already working for a multinational company. It helps employers strengthen their U.S. presence while giving skilled employees the chance to advance their careers in one of the world’s largest markets.
If you qualify, the next steps usually involve your employer filing Form I-129 with USCIS and gathering supporting documentation to prove eligibility.
✅ Key Takeaway: The L-1 visa is a powerful option for professionals who want to move to the U.S. with their employer. If you’re in an executive, managerial, or specialized role and have worked for your company abroad for at least a year, this visa could be your path to building a future in the United States.
