L-1

L-1 visas are available to employees of an international company with offices in both the United States and abroad. The US and non-US employers must be related in one of four ways: parent and subsidiary; branch and headquarters; sister companies owned by a mutual parent; or affiliates. To be qualified as a L-1 visa applicant, you must work for one continuous year within the three years immediately before your admission to the United States.

L-1A and L-1B visas may be issued when an employer files a petition to obtain authorization for qualified employees to be allowed to work and live in the United States.

• The L-1A visa is for intracompany transferees who work in managerial or executive positions in a company that is located outside the United States.
• The L-1B visa is for intracompany transferees who work in positions requiring specialized knowledge.