Frequently Asked Questions about the L-1 Visa

• What is an L-1 visa?
• Who qualifies for an L-1 visa?
• How long can someone stay in the United States in L-1 status?
• What privileges do I enjoy in L-1 visa status?
• What are the limitations of L-1 visa status?
• Is there a cap on the number of L-1 visas available each year?

 

What is an L-1 visa?

An L-1 visa allows foreign nationals working abroad for a multinational company to be transferred to work in the United States. 

Who qualifies for an L-1 visa?

To qualify for the L-1 visa, the foreign national must have worked outside of the United States for a qualifying employer for at least one year within the three years prior to transferring to the United States.  The employment abroad must have been as an executive or manager for an L-1A visa, or require specialized knowledge about the company’s products, procedures or methods for the L-1B visa. The foreign citizen must be transferred to work for the same employer in the United States, or a parent, subsidiary or affiliate company.

How long can someone stay in the United States in L-1 status?

L-1 visas are generally approved for three year terms, except L-1 visas to open a new office in the United States are only granted for an initial one year term.  Managers and executives in L-1A visa status may extend their stay in the United States for up to seven years.  Specialized knowledge employees with L-1B visa status may extend their stay up to five years. 

What privileges do I have while in L-1 visa status?

While in L-1 visa status, you may:

• Live in the United States and work legally for a U.S. company that is a parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of the company that employed you abroad;
• Travel within and outside of the United States;
• Obtain visas for your spouse, and for your children who are under 21 years old;
• Apply for permanent residency (a “green card”) without jeopardizing your L-1 status.

What are the limitations of L-1 visa status?

While in L-1 visa status, you may:

• Work only for the employer who filed your L-1 petition;
• Receive visa approval for a three year term;
• Extend your stay for up to seven years if you are a manager or executive (in L-1A status), or five years if you are a specialized knowledge employee (in L-1B status).

Is there a cap on the number of L-1 visas available each year?

No, there is no annual quota on the number of L-1 visas available each year.