How to Apply for an L-1 Visa

Your company trusts you, values your expertise, and now wants you to lead the charge in the U.S. Big deal, right? The L-1 visa could be your answer. It’s how international companies move their key players across borders.

But let’s be honest. The application process can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. Forms, fees, timelines — it’s a lot. And one wrong move? You’re back to square one.

The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether you’re transferring as a manager, executive, or a specialized knowledge employee, this guide has your back. No legal mumbo-jumbo. Just clear, actionable steps to help you get that L-1 visa.

By the end, you’ll know how to get an L-1 visa, what forms to fill out, and what timelines to expect. So, grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s turn that big career move into a reality.

 

 

What is an L-1 Visa?

Designed for intracompany transferees, this non-immigrant L-1 visa lets multinational companies move their key employees from foreign offices to their U.S. branches. But here’s where the L-1 visa stands out — it has dual intent. Unlike most non-immigrant visas, which require you to prove you won’t stay permanently, the L-1 visa allows you to apply for a green card without jeopardizing your visa status. Think of it as keeping your options open — work now, settle later if that’s in your plans.

Specialized knowledge isn’t just about technical skills — it also includes a deep understanding of how your company operates. derstanding the L-1 visa’s flexibility makes all the difference. 

Also Read: L-1A Visa to Green Card Transition: Process and Requirements

Types of L-1 Visas

When it comes to the L-1 visa, it’s not a one-size-fits-all deal. The U.S. offers two specific categories based on your role and responsibilities. 

1. L-1A Visa: For Managers and Executives

If you’re the decision-maker, leading teams, or running entire departments, the L-1A visa is tailored for you. This visa covers executives responsible for setting company goals or managers overseeing operations and supervising other employees.

• Initial Stay: Up to three years.
• Extensions: Can be extended in two-year increments for a maximum of seven years.
• Who Qualifies: Executives and managers transferred to the U.S. from a foreign office.
• Purpose: Streamline management and expand a company’s operations in the U.S.

If you’re aiming to establish a new U.S. office, the L-1A visa also gives you a chance to build operations from the ground up. It’s an ideal route for executives entering a leadership role in a growing market.

2. L-1B Visa: For Specialized Knowledge Employees

Not every employee brings knowledge that’s hard to replicate. But if you’re one of those who understand your company’s proprietary products, procedures, or operations like the back of your hand, the L-1B visa is for you.

• Initial Stay: Up to three years.
• Extensions: Extendable in two-year increments for a maximum of five years.
• Who Qualifies: Employees with specialized knowledge crucial to the company’s functioning.
• Purpose: Transfer expertise to the U.S. office to train teams, support projects, or introduce innovative solutions.

Specialized knowledge isn’t just about technical skills — it also includes a deep understanding of how your company operates. 

Still unsure whether you qualify for the L-1A or L-1B visa? The best way forward is to consult with professionals who can assess your eligibility and guide you through the process. Contact the Law Offices of Sweta Khandelwal to understand your visa options and take the next step in your career.

Eligibility Criteria for an L-1 Visa

Getting an L-1 visa isn’t as complicated as it might sound, but it does come with specific requirements. Both the employer and the employee must meet certain conditions for a successful application. Knowing these in advance can save you from unnecessary roadblocks.

Eligibility Requirements for Employers

First, the U.S. company must have a qualifying relationship with the foreign company. This includes parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, or branch offices. Simply put, the businesses should be connected through common ownership or control.

Next, both the foreign and U.S. entities must be actively doing business. It’s not enough to have an office address in the U.S. — the company should be providing goods or services continuously.

Additionally, the transfer must serve a valid purpose. Whether it’s for executive management, overseeing operations, or bringing specialized knowledge to the U.S. branch, the application must clearly explain why the transfer benefits the company.

Eligibility Requirements for Employees

To qualify, you must have worked for the foreign company for at least one continuous year in the past three years. L-1A visas are for managers or executives, while L-1B visas are for employees with specialized company knowledge.

Special Considerations for New Offices

If you’re opening a new U.S. office, the process comes with extra scrutiny. The company must provide a solid business plan, proof of securing office space, and financial documentation showing its capacity to grow operations within a year. While L-1A visas are often used for such purposes, the applicant must demonstrate their leadership role in building the company’s presence in the U.S.

Also Read: EB-1C Visa and Green Card Processing Time

 

 

Application Process for an L-1 Visa

Applying for an L-1 visa may seem overwhelming, but breaking it down step-by-step makes it manageable. Since this visa is designed for intracompany transfers, both your employer and you have roles to play in the application. Here’s how the process unfolds:

Step 1: Employer Submits Form I-129

The L-1 visa application starts when your employer files Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This is the most critical part, as it establishes the legitimacy of the transfer and ensures the company qualifies for the L-1 program.

• Supporting Documents for Form I-129:
  • Proof of a qualifying relationship between the U.S. and foreign company (e.g., parent, subsidiary, or affiliate relationship).
  • Evidence that both entities are actively doing business.
  • An employment verification letter that describes your role, responsibilities, and qualifications.
  • Financial records and operational reports to support the legitimacy of the U.S. office.

After submitting Form I-129, employers can opt for premium processing by paying an additional fee, which guarantees a response within 15 calendar days. Without premium processing, wait times can vary, typically taking a few weeks to several months.

Step 2: Employee Receives Form I-797 Approval Notice

If the petition is approved, USCIS will issue a Form I-797, Notice of Action. This document confirms your eligibility to apply for an L-1 visa and move forward with the next steps.

Step 3: Employee Completes Form DS-160

Once you receive the Form I-797 approval notice, you must complete Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. This is a standard form used for nonimmigrant visa applications. You’ll need to provide details about:

• Your personal background.
• Your travel plans and intended stay in the U.S.
• Employment information from both the U.S. and foreign companies.

At the end of the application, you’ll receive a DS-160 confirmation page. Keep this safe, as it’s mandatory for the next step.

Step 4: Employee Schedules Their Visa Interview

Next, schedule your interview at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Depending on availability, interview slots may be booked weeks in advance, so it’s best to schedule early.

You’ll need to bring the following documents to your visa interview:

• A valid passport.
• A printed DS-160 confirmation page.
• The Form I-797 approval notice.
• Passport-size photos that meet the U.S. visa requirements.
• Supporting documents like the employment verification letter, company organizational charts, and financial statements.

During the interview, the consular officer may ask about your role in the company, your qualifications, and the purpose of your transfer. Providing clear, confident answers can strengthen your case.

Step 5: Visa Approval and Entry to the U.S.

If your visa is approved, the consulate will stamp your passport with the L-1 visa. The initial validity depends on your visa type. 

Once you arrive in the U.S., a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will determine your authorized period of stay. Make sure to check the expiration date on your I-94 arrival/departure record.

Processing Times for L-1 Visa

Standard L-1 visa processing times can vary depending on USCIS workloads and individual cases. Typically, it takes anywhere from a few weeks to several months for a decision.

However, if time is a concern, premium processing is available. For a fee of $2,805, USCIS guarantees a decision on the Form I-129 petition within 15 calendar days. This expedited service is a popular choice for businesses with urgent transfer needs.

From filing Form I-129 to preparing for your visa interview, each step requires careful attention. Reach out to The Law Offices of Sweta Khandelwal for tailored assistance. Our experienced legal team can guide you through the entire process, helping you avoid mistakes and stay on track.

L-1 Visa Costs and Fees: Who Pays What?

Applying for an L-1 visa involves several fees, with costs depending on your employer’s size, optional services, and other factors. It’s essential to understand who is responsible for paying each fee.

1. Form I-129 Filing Fee

• Cost: $1,385 for most employers.
• Reduced Fee: $695 for smaller employers or nonprofits.
• Who Pays?: The employer

2. Anti-Fraud Fee

• Cost: $500.
• Who Pays?: The employer.

The anti-fraud fee supports the U.S. government’s efforts to prevent fraud in the visa process. It is mandatory for all L-1 visa applicants.

3. Public Law 114-113 Fee

• Cost: $4,500.
• Who Pays?: The employer.

This fee applies to companies with more than 50 employees, with at least 50% of their workforce in L-1A, L-1B, or H-1B status. It’s a measure to discourage companies from relying heavily on foreign employees.

4. DS-160 Application Fee

• Cost: $205.
• Who Pays?: The employee.

Form DS-160 is the online application for a nonimmigrant visa, which is required before scheduling your visa interview.

5. Premium Processing Fee

• Cost: $2,805.
• Who Pays?: The employer or employee may pay, depending on who requests it.

Premium processing ensures a response from USCIS within 15 calendar days. While it’s optional, it’s often used for urgent transfers.

6. American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act (ACWIA) Fee

• Cost:
  • $750 for companies with 25 or fewer employees.
  • $1,500 for companies with 26 or more employees.
• Who Pays?: The employer.

This fee is meant to support U.S. workforce development programs.

7. Visa Reciprocity Fee

• Cost: Varies based on the applicant’s nationality.
• Who Pays?: The employee.

Some countries impose a reciprocity fee based on agreements between the U.S. and the applicant’s home country.

8. State and Incorporation Fees

• Cost: Varies depending on the state.
• Who Pays?: The employer.

For L-1 applicants establishing a new office in the U.S., the company may need to pay state incorporation fees.

Also Read: Employment-Based EB-1B Green Card Interview Questions

Bringing Your Loved Ones Along on an L-1 Visa

Moving to the U.S. on an L-1 visa doesn’t mean leaving your family behind. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old can join you on an L-2 visa. Imagine exploring a new city together, watching your kids settle into school, and having your spouse pursue career opportunities — all while you focus on your professional growth.

The L-2 visa isn’t just a dependent visa; it’s a gateway for your family to experience the best of the U.S. right alongside you.

Why Your Family Will Love the L-2 Visa

• Your Spouse Can Work: If your partner wants to work in the U.S., they can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Whether it’s continuing a career, switching industries, or starting fresh, the EAD provides the flexibility to explore.
• Quality Education for Your Kids: Your children can attend public or private schools without restrictions. From elementary to high school, they’ll have access to a world-class education system.
• Travel Made Easy: Need to visit family back home or go on a vacation? No problem. The L-2 visa allows multiple entries to and from the U.S. as long as it remains valid.

How to Apply for an L-2 Visa?

Once your L-1 visa is approved, applying for L-2 visas for your family is straightforward. Each family member will need to fill out the DS-160 form and attend a visa interview at a nearby U.S. consulate or embassy.

Here’s what they’ll typically need:

• Valid Passport: Ensure their passport has enough validity for the intended stay.
• Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificates for spouses and birth certificates for children confirm family ties.
• L-1 Visa Approval Notice: A copy of your approved Form I-797 serves as proof of your L-1 visa approval.
• Photos: Passport-size photos that meet U.S. visa standards.

Contact Sweta Khandelwal to receive personalized guidance. We’ll ensure everything is done correctly, so your family’s L-2 visa experience is as smooth as possible.

Streamlining Transfers with a Blanket L-1 Petition

If your company often sends employees to the U.S., the Blanket L-1 petition could be a game changer. Think of it as a pre-approved pathway for qualified employees to relocate without waiting months for individual approvals. It’s faster, simpler, and ideal for companies that frequently transfer talent across borders.

Is Your Company Eligible for a Blanket L-1?

Not every business qualifies for a blanket L-1 petition, but if your company is a multinational powerhouse with an ongoing need for cross-border talent, it might be the perfect fit. Typically, eligibility is based on factors like:

• Presence in Multiple Locations: Your company must have at least three offices — one in the U.S. and others internationally.
• Financial Strength: Large corporations with substantial revenue or significant employee headcount often meet this requirement.
• Regular Transfers: Companies that frequently transfer employees using L-1 visas stand a better chance of approval.

Does your company check these boxes? If so, applying for a blanket L-1 could make life much easier.

The Application Process

Once your company has an approved blanket L-1 petition, here’s how your employees can proceed:

• Complete Form DS-160: This is the online non-immigrant visa application form.

• Schedule an Interview: Employees must book a visa appointment at a U.S. consulate or embassy.

• Provide Supporting Documents: These often include:

1. 1. • Form I-129S (for blanket L-1 visa applicants).
      • A copy of the blanket L-1 petition approval.
      • Proof of employment with the company.
      • A valid passport.

• Attend the Interview: During the interview, they may be asked about their role, experience, and intent to return after their assignment.

Also Read: EB-1C India Green Card Visa Bulletin Movement Predictions

 

 

Final Thoughts on the L-1 Visa Process

Moving to the U.S. for work can be an exciting opportunity, but the L-1 visa process can feel overwhelming without the right guidance. From understanding fees to applying for dependents’ visas, every step requires careful planning. And if your company is considering a blanket L-1 petition, ensuring a smooth process becomes even more important.

But here’s the good news — you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Whether you’re unsure which visa category fits your role or need help with your family’s L-2 applications, The Law Offices of Sweta Khandelwal can provide the personalized support you need. Sweta Khandelwal will work with you to assess your situation, recommend the best path forward, and help you navigate every requirement. Facing a tight timeline? Contact the Law Offices of Sweta Khandelwal today and step into your U.S. career with confidence.

Disclaimer

Please note that the prices listed for visa services are estimates and may vary in real-time. We recommend consulting the official government websites or other authoritative resources for the most up-to-date pricing information. These estimates do not constitute a guarantee of costs, and fees may change without notice.