L Visas - Intra-Company Transfers

Dallas Lawyers Serving Clients Nationwide

Many companies enjoy a global presence through their affiliates in the United States and around the world. As corporations continue to expand, the demand for L visas have increased. Companies with related operational entities in the U.S. can seek to transfer certain employees to these offices under the L visa, which allows foreign national executives, managers, and professionals with specialized knowledge to work in the U.S. Similar to H-1B visa holders, L visa holders benefit from dual intent and have access to premium processing for quicker decisions.

Types of L-Visas:

• L-1A Visa (Intracompany Transfer of Executive or Manager): A U.S. employer can transfer an executive or manager working from a foreign office to an office located in the U.S. If a foreign company does not currently have an affiliate U.S. office, the L-1A visa can also be granted for the purpose of creating an office.
• L-1B Visa (Intracompany Transfer of Employee with Specialized Knowledge): Employees with a specialized knowledge or skillset can be brought to work in the U.S. using the L-1B visa.

Executives and managers can remain in the U.S. for up to 7 years.

Professionals with specialized knowledge are allowed up to 5 years of stay in the U.S.

Requirements for the L-1 Classification

In order to qualify, the employer will need to show that he or she:

• Has a qualifying relationship with the foreign company
• Currently is or will be doing business as an employer in the U.S. and another country

At Akula & Associates, our Dallas L-visa attorneys and team can advise and assist businesses with all of their global staffing needs. We can determine eligibility and provide guidance throughout the process.

FAQ: L Visas – Intra-Company Transfers

What is an L Visa Used For?
L visas enable companies with operations in multiple countries to transfer key employees to their U.S. offices. These visas support the mobility of executives, managers, and employees with specialized skills, facilitating global business growth.

Who Can Apply for an L Visa?
An L visa can be sought by:

• Executives and managers overseeing significant business functions.
• Professionals with specialized knowledge of company operations, processes, or products.
• Foreign companies establishing a new office in the U.S.

What are the Main Types of L Visas?

1. L-1A Visa: For executives or managers transferring to an existing U.S. office or creating a new office.
2. L-1B Visa: For employees who holds the petitioning organization’s product, service, research, equipment, techniques, management, or other interests and its application in international markets; or who has an advanced level of knowledge or expertise in the organization’s processes and procedures

How Long Can You Stay on an L Visa?

• L-1A visa holders can stay for up to 7 years.
• L-1B visa holders can remain for up to 5 years.

What Are the Key Eligibility Criteria?
To qualify, the employer and employee must demonstrate:

• A qualifying relationship between the foreign and U.S. entities (e.g., parent-subsidiary or affiliate).
• Active business operations in both the U.S. and another country.
• The employee’s has or had been employed at the foreign company as a full-time employee at least 1 continuously year physically outside the U.S. within the most recent 3 year prior to the filing of the application.
• The employee’s roles at both the foreign company and the U.S. company meets the requirements for executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge positions.

What Are the Advantages of an L Visa?

• No Annual Cap: L visas are not subject to the numerical limits of other visas like the H-1B.
• Dual Intent: L visa holders can pursue permanent residency (green card) without affecting their visa status.
• Dependents: L visa holders can bring their spouses and children, and spouses may apply for work authorization.

What Makes an L Visa Different from Other Work Visas?
Unlike some visas that are subject to cap or prevailing wage requirements, L visas focus on intra-company relationships and the employee's role within the company. This makes them ideal for international businesses with established operations.

Can L Visa Holders Transition to Permanent Residency?
Yes, the dual intent policy allows L visa holders to apply for a green card without affecting their visa status. This is especially advantageous for executives and managers pursuing EB-1C green cards.

What Happens if the U.S. Office is Newly Established?
For new office setups, companies must provide:

• Business plans demonstrating growth potential.
• Proof of securing office space.
• Evidence of financial capacity to support U.S. operations.
• Proof of business activities (e.g., emails, contracts, rent payment,etc.)

If you would like to speak with our legal team, call us at (844) 299-5003.