L-1A and L-1B Visa: Intracompany Transferee Executive, Manager, or Specialized Knowledge

L-1A and L-1B Visa: Intracompany Transferee Executive, Manager, or Specialized Knowledge

The L-1A and L-1B Visas allow for the intra-company transfer of employees of foreign entities to U.S. parent, affiliate, and subsidiary companies. Key employees may contribute executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge skills to the U.S. business. This visa option also enables a foreign company which does not yet have an affiliated U.S. office to send an executive or manager to the U.S. with the purpose of establishing a new office.


The L-1A visa is for employees performing managerial or executive assignments in the United States, with a maximum period of seven years stay in the United States. The L-1B visa is for employees performing specialized knowledge assignments with a maximum period of five years stay in the United States. Dependents (spouses and minor children) of L-1A and L-1B visa holders are admitted under L-2 visa status with a possibility of obtaining employment authorization.



The L-1 category is a “dual intent” visa, which means that the foreign national may apply for permanent residency without violating their nonimmigrant status. Meaning, it may permit the Business to pursue Green Card options, if a longer stay for the L-1 Visa Holder would be beneficial to the Business.

What are the Main Requirements for an L-1 Visa?

There are three main requirements for the L Visa, and they are as follows:


  • Qualifying relationship: The U.S. Company and the foreign company must be parent and subsidiary, parent and branch, or affiliates. Joint venture may work so long as the company is 50% owned with equal control and veto power by the sponsoring company;


  • Qualifying employment of the transferee (foreign beneficiary of L-1): The transferee must have, within the preceding three years, been employed abroad for one continuous year by the qualifying organization;



  • Qualifying assignment: The foreign transferee’s assignment must involve executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge duties, both in the U.S. and the foreign companies.

What is the L-1 Visa Duration and Extension Options?

L-1A visa holders will be granted an initial three years of stay in the U.S. and can extend their stay to a maximum of 7 years. L-1B visa holders can only be extended to a maximum of 5 years.

What are expected costs and attorney’s fees

Planning and budgeting our core requirements for any and every business. Our law firm tries to assist businesses however possible, and knowing how much an L Visa would cost is important. Below you can find estimated government fees as well as our law firm‘s estimated legal fees.


Government Fees:


  • $460 Filing Fee
  • $500 Anti-Fraud Fee (mandatory for all new L-1 Petitions; not required for extension or renewal with the same employer)
  • $1,440 Premium Processing Fee (optional)



Estimated Legal Fees:


  • $3000-$4000 depending on completeness of business documentation


What sets our law firm apart?

Our law firm believes in being accessible to our clients. Although we have clients all over the nation and the world, our core focus are those residing or working in eastern North Carolina. Our law firm has multiple locations to be accessible, but also to provide opportunities for our staff and Attorneys to meet with local residences and businesses.



If you’re not local to the area, please feel free to set up a video call consultation. If you are nearby to one of our offices, our office values in person meetings. Please let us assist you however possible, and in meeting your business needs.

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