L-1 Visa Program | Expand Your Business to the U.S. with Ease

Introduction to the L-1 Visa Program

The US L-1 Visa facilitates the transfer of significant employees from international locations to the U.S., enhancing business expansion opportunities. This visa is ideal for managers and executives (L-1A) and employees with specialized knowledge (L-1B) seeking to establish or continue operations at a U.S. company branch.

Program Key Facts

Visa Type: L-1A (Managers & Executives), L-1B (Specialized Knowledge Workers)
Duration: Initially 1–3 years, extendable up to 7 years
Dual Intent: Yes (Pathway to Green Card)
Eligible Entities: U.S. company + foreign affiliate, parent, subsidiary, or branch
Processing Time: 1–5 months (with premium processing option)
Dependents: Spouse (L-2 with work authorization), children under 21

“The L-1 visa isn’t just about transferring employees—it’s about expanding opportunity. Whether you’re growing your global business or establishing a new U.S. presence, this visa gives you the corporate edge to lead across continents.”

Why Choose This Program?

Program Qualifications

The U.S. and foreign companies must have a qualifying corporate relationship.

The applicant must have worked abroad for at least 1 year in the past 3 years.

The role in the U.S. must be managerial, executive, or require specialized knowledge.

The foreign company must continue operations.

Clear documentation of employee and corporate eligibility.

Benefits

Investment or Setup Options

Option 1: Transfer to Existing U.S. Office

Simple transfer of employees to an operational U.S. company under the same corporate group.

Option 2: New U.S. Office Establishment

Set up a U.S. branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.

Submit a business plan, lease agreement, and proof of capital investment.

Must show viability within one year for renewals

Roadmap to Visa Approval

Prepare Company and Employee Documents

Set Up or Confirm U.S. Office

File L-1 Petition with USCIS

Premium Processing Available (15 days)

Apply for L-1 Visa at U.S. Embassy (if abroad)

Enter the U.S. and Begin Operations

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Step 1: Confirm Qualifying Relationship

Ensure the foreign and U.S. companies have a legal parent-subsidiary or affiliate connection.

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

Includes corporate documents, financials, job descriptions, and proof of employment abroad.

Step 3: Establish or Maintain U.S. Office

Secure office space, licenses, and local operations if setting up a new entity.

Step 4: Submit L-1 Petition (Form I-129)

Filed by the U.S. employer to USCIS, optionally with premium processing.

Step 5: Consular Interview (if abroad)

Attend an interview at a U.S. consulate for visa issuance.

Step 6: Enter the U.S. on L-1 Visa

Begin working in the U.S. under approved status.

Step 7: File for L-2 for Dependents

Spouses and children under 21 can join the applicant and live in the U.S.

Step 8: Apply for Work Authorization (L-2 Spouse)

Spouses can apply for employment authorization and legally work in the U.S.

Step 9: Consider Transition to Green Card

Eligible L-1A executives/managers may apply under EB-1C for permanent residency.

Real Stories

“Meet the Founders Who Took Their Businesses Global”

“When we expanded our tech startup into the U.S., the L-1A was the perfect fit. It didn’t just help us scale—it helped us dream bigger.” – Natalia, CEO from Argentina.

Watch Their Stories on YouTube