Frequently Asked Questions about the
L-1B Visa for Specialized Knowledge Employees
An L-1B visa allows employees with specialized
knowledge who work abroad for a multinational company to be transferred
to work in the United States.
Specialized knowledge is defined as information and
experience about the company’s products, services, research, equipment,
techniques, or interests and their applications in international
markets. A “specialized knowledge” employee has an advanced level of
knowledge or expertise in the organization's processes and procedures.
This specialized knowledge must be required to carry out the duties of
the position with the U.S. affiliated company.
There is no minimum educational requirement for the
L-1B visa. The L-1 employee must have worked for a company affiliated
with the U.S. employer in a foreign country for at least one year in the
three years before the transfer. The position must have required
specialized knowledge about the company's products, processes and
procedures.
Yes, a person in L-1B status may apply for
permanent residency and still be eligible to renew the L-1B visa. For
specialized knowledge employees with L-1B status, permanent residency
generally requires
labor certification. The employer would have to engage in an
industry-standard recruitment effort, and demonstrate that there are no
qualified U.S. employees for the position.
For more information about permanent residency
options for L-1 visa holders, see our Frequently
Asked Questions about Permanent Residency for L-1 visa holders.
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