Temporary work visa
What is the L-1 intracompany transferee visa?
The L-1 is a temporary work visa for intracompany transferees — it lets a multinational company move an employee from a foreign office to a related U.S. office. L-1A is for managers and executives; L-1B is for employees with specialized knowledge.
Primary legal authority
- INA §101(a)(15)(L) — Defines the L-1 intracompany-transferee classification.
- 8 CFR §214.2(l) — Sets out the L-1 requirements, including the qualifying relationship and the one-year-abroad rule.
This page explains the L-1 in general. Check whether you qualify for L-1 — a few questions, no account needed to see the result.
Core requirements
The worker must have been employed abroad by a qualifying related entity (parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate) for at least one continuous year within the three years before the petition, and must be coming to work in a managerial, executive, or specialized-knowledge capacity.
The U.S. and foreign employers must have a qualifying corporate relationship that continues throughout the transfer.
L-1A vs L-1B
L-1A (managers and executives) is granted for up to seven years total and can support a streamlined path to an EB-1C green card for multinational managers.
L-1B (specialized knowledge) is granted for up to five years total. The L-1 also offers a 'new office' option for companies establishing a first U.S. presence, with a shorter initial approval.
Frequently asked questions
What is the one-year requirement for the L-1?
The employee must have worked for a qualifying related foreign entity for at least one continuous year out of the three years before the petition is filed, under 8 CFR §214.2(l).
What is the difference between L-1A and L-1B?
L-1A is for managers and executives (up to seven years total); L-1B is for employees with specialized knowledge (up to five years total).
Does the L-1 require a U.S. and foreign company relationship?
Yes — there must be a qualifying relationship (parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate) between the foreign and U.S. employers that continues during the transfer.
Does this apply to you?
Everything above is the general rule. Whether the L-1 is the right route for you depends on your own record — your role, your evidence and your timing. The assessment works through that and tells you where you actually stand.
Check your L-1 eligibilityJustiGuide provides legal information, not legal advice, and is not a law firm. This page is a general overview and is not a substitute for advice about your specific situation from a licensed immigration attorney. Last reviewed 2026-05-27.