Key Points to Know
The L-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that enables multinational companies to transfer employees with specialized knowledge from their overseas offices to the United States. This visa is tailored for professionals who possess unique skills, proprietary expertise, or advanced understanding of company processes that are essential to U.S. operations.
Unlike other employment-based visas, the L-1B visa does not require a specific degree. Instead, it focuses on the individual’s specialized knowledge and contribution to the company’s success. One of its key advantages is the dual intent feature—allowing applicants to pursue a green card without jeopardizing their current visa status.
If you’re exploring whether the L-1B visa fits your professional background, speak with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link to understand the benefits and strategic advantages this visa offers over other work visa categories.
Understanding the L-1 Visa Program
The L-1 visa, often referred to as the intra-company transfer visa, includes two categories:
- L-1A: For executives and managers
- L-1B: For employees with specialized knowledge
This guide focuses on the L-1B visa, designed to help companies bring specialized employees to their U.S. operations—whether to strengthen an existing branch or to establish a new one.
This guide focuses on the L-1B visa, designed to help companies bring specialized employees to their U.S. operations—whether to strengthen an existing branch or to establish a new one.
In This Guide, You Will Learn:
- What counts as “specialized knowledge”
- Who is eligible and what requirements apply
- Visa fees and costs
- Processing times
- Required documentation
- How to include dependents (spouse and children)
- Transitioning from L-1B to a green card
- How the L-1B compares to the H-1B visa
What Is an L-1B Visa?
The L-1B visa allows multinational companies to transfer professionals who possess specialized knowledge vital to the company’s products, services, or operations in the United States. It can be used to relocate employees to an existing U.S. office or to help establish a new branch.
What Makes the L-1B Visa Unique:
- Talent Mobility: Enables companies to relocate key employees with unique expertise from global offices to the U.S.
- Business Growth Support: Ideal for strengthening U.S. operations or launching new ventures.
- Flexible Requirements: Prioritizes skills and proprietary knowledge over academic qualifications.
- Dual Intent: Allows visa holders to apply for permanent residency while maintaining their L-1B status.
- No Lottery or Annual Cap: Unlike the H-1B visa, there’s no numerical limitation, making transfers more predictable.
What Is “Specialized Knowledge”?
Under U.S. immigration law, “specialized knowledge” refers to expertise that is both distinctive and critical to the employer’s operations. It can relate to proprietary techniques, systems, products, or processes that are not easily transferable or commonly found in the industry.
Examples of specialized knowledge include:
- Products: In-depth understanding required to design, manufacture, or enhance proprietary products.
- Services: Expertise in delivering or customizing specialized services that solve complex business problems.
- Research: Skills essential to developing new technologies or innovative solutions.
- Equipment: Advanced knowledge of operating or maintaining specialized tools or machinery.
- Techniques: Proficiency in methods or practices unique to the company’s success.
- Management Practices: Understanding of internal systems and strategies that drive organizational efficiency.
- Processes and Procedures: Mastery of workflows vital for maintaining product quality or service consistency.
- International Application: Ability to adapt products or strategies for foreign or global markets.
Examples of Specialized Knowledge in Practice
Example 1: Technology and AI Development
A software engineer specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) develops algorithms for a medical technology firm creating AI-driven diagnostic tools. Her expertise in machine learning for healthcare applications is not only rare but essential to the company’s innovation pipeline. Her specialized role allows the company to maintain its competitive advantage in the global medical technology sector—making her an ideal candidate for an L-1B visa.
Example 2: Cloud Security in Financial Services
A software developer with expertise in cloud computing and cybersecurity builds secure platforms for global banks to meet strict international regulations. His ability to design compliant, scalable systems for financial institutions demonstrates specialized knowledge that supports his company’s international expansion. Such expertise directly qualifies for L-1B visa consideration, as it’s integral to maintaining global competitiveness.
L-1B Visa Eligibility and Requirements
To qualify for an L-1B visa, both the U.S. employer and the transferring employee must satisfy specific eligibility requirements. These criteria are established to confirm that the employee possesses specialized knowledge essential to the company’s operations in the United States.
Requirements for the U.S. Employer
To sponsor an employee under the L-1B category, the U.S. employer must:
- Have a qualifying relationship with the foreign company—such as a parent company, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate—showing a clear and documented business connection.
- Currently conduct or plan to conduct business in both the United States and at least one other country.
- Present a detailed business plan that outlines how the employee’s role supports company goals and operations.
- Demonstrate the financial capacity to pay the employee’s salary and maintain the position.
- Provide a dedicated work location for the transferred employee in the United States.
Requirements for the Employee
Employees applying for the L-1B visa must meet the following conditions:
- Have been employed by the foreign company for at least one continuous year (full-time) within the three years prior to filing the L-1B petition.
- Have worked outside the United States for the qualifying organization.
- Be transferring to the same employer or an affiliated entity in the U.S.
- Possess and apply specialized knowledge critical to the company’s operations.
- Intend to depart the United States once their visa status expires.
Unlike other employment-based visa categories, the L-1B visa does not require a college degree for eligibility. L-1B visa holders may also bring their spouses and unmarried children under 21 years old through the L-2 visa. Spouses of L-1B holders are eligible to work in the U.S. if they obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or have an unexpired I-94 form that lists L-2 nonimmigrant status.
L-1B Visa Duration and Extensions
The validity period of an L-1B visa depends on whether the employee is joining an established office or helping set up a new U.S. branch.
For Established Offices
Employees transferring to an existing U.S. office are typically granted an initial stay of up to three years. This applies when the employer already operates a functioning U.S. branch with established business activities.
For New Offices
If the employee is coming to the United States to launch or establish a new office, the initial L-1B visa period is one year. During this time, the employee’s work is crucial to setting up the company’s structure, operations, and processes.
Visa Extensions
Employees under both scenarios may extend their L-1B visa for a maximum total of five years:
- Established offices: After the initial three-year period, the employer may request extensions in increments of up to two years. The company must prove that the employee’s specialized knowledge remains vital to its U.S. operations.
- New offices: After the initial one-year term, extensions may also be granted in two-year increments, up to the same five-year maximum. Once the five-year limit is reached, the employee must leave the U.S. or change to another valid nonimmigrant status, such as H-1B, if eligible.
L-1B Visa Fees and Costs
Below is a breakdown of the L-1B visa costs associated with filing and processing the application. These fees may vary depending on the employer’s size, organization type, and case complexity.
Fee Type | Amount | Conditions | Responsible Party |
Form I-129 Filing Fee | $1,385 ($695 for small employers and nonprofits) | Required for all L-1B petitions | Employer |
Form DS-160 Filing Fee | $205 | Applies to all L-1B applicants | Employer |
Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee | $500 | Applies to initial L-1B petitions only | Employer |
Asylum Program Fee | $600 (large companies); $300 (small employers); $0 (nonprofits) | Based on employer type; nonprofits are exempt | Employer |
Public Law 114-113 Fee | $4,500 | For employers with 50+ employees where over 50% hold L-1, H-1, or L-2 status | Employer |
Premium Processing (Optional) | $2,805 | Optional expedited processing | Employer or Employee (per agreement) |
Attorney’s Fees | Varies | Depends on case complexity and representation | Employer |
Biometric Services / Interview Costs | Varies | Based on consulate or embassy procedures | Employer |
For tailored guidance through the L-1B visa process, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can help you prepare documentation, demonstrate eligibility, and ensure timely, accurate submissions to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
L-1B Visa Fees, Processing Time, and Application Requirements
If you’re planning to apply for an L-1B visa to work in the United States, it’s essential to understand all the fees, required documents, and timelines involved. Below is a complete breakdown of L-1B visa costs, both for small and large companies, along with information on processing times, documentation, and family benefits. The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can guide you through every step of this process to help ensure a smooth and successful application.
Total L-1B Visa Fees (Excluding Attorney Fees)
For Small Companies
- Form I-129 Filing Fee: $695
- Form DS-160 Filing Fee: $205
- Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee: $500
- Asylum Program Fee: $300
- Public Law 114-113 Fee: $0 (Not applicable for small companies)
- Premium Processing Fee (Optional): $2,805
Total (Excluding Premium Processing): $1,700
Total (Including Premium Processing): $4,505
For Large Companies
- Form I-129 Filing Fee: $1,385
- Form DS-160 Filing Fee: $205
- Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee: $500
- Asylum Program Fee: $600
- Public Law 114-113 Fee: $4,500 (Applies to companies with 50+ employees, where over 50% hold L-1, H-1B, or L-2 status)
- Premium Processing Fee (Optional): $2,805
Total (Excluding Premium Processing): $7,190
Total (Including Premium Processing): $9,995
At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys help clients evaluate whether premium processing is necessary based on business needs and visa timelines.
L-1B Visa Processing Times
Processing times for an L-1B visa may vary depending on the USCIS service center handling your petition:
- Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker): The average processing time is approximately 3.8 months.
- Premium Processing: This optional service shortens the wait time to 15 business days once the request is received.
- Consular Processing: If you’re applying from outside the U.S., you’ll need to complete Form DS-160 and attend a visa interview at your home-country consulate. This process usually takes a few weeks to two months, depending on the location.
- Adjustment of Status: Applicants already in the U.S. with an approved L-1B visa can file for Adjustment of Status to remain in the country legally.
The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can assist you in determining the most efficient route for your individual case and ensure your petition is filed correctly.
Required Documents for an L-1B Visa
To apply for an L-1B visa, you’ll need to submit a complete set of personal, employer, and professional documents.
Personal and Identification Documents
- Valid passport (with at least six months’ validity)
- Two recent color photographs that meet U.S. visa specifications
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Copy of Form DS-160 and L Supplement
Employer Documents
- Copy of the I-129 petition submitted to USCIS
- I-797 approval notice from USCIS
- Detailed job description outlining duties with both foreign and U.S. companies
- Employment verification letter from the foreign employer
- Organizational chart
- Letters of reference from supervisors or colleagues
- Company tax returns and training certificates
Professional Documents
- Updated resume/CV
- Educational degrees and certificates
- Pay stubs or proof of employment
- List of projects completed
- Statements describing the employee’s specialized knowledge
The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can help you organize these materials to meet USCIS evidentiary standards.
L-1B Rules for New Offices vs. Established Offices
Established Offices
For existing U.S. businesses, the employer must demonstrate that the company already operates actively in the U.S. by providing proof such as:
- Lease agreements or utility bills
- Payroll or tax records
- Business registration documents
The L-1B employee does not need to assist in establishing the business since the company is already operational.
New Offices
When an organization is expanding to the U.S. and has not yet established full operations:
- The employee may be tasked with setting up the office, hiring staff, and initiating operations.
- Initially, USCIS typically grants a one-year stay to help establish the business.
- After one year, the company must show evidence of growth and continued operation to renew the visa.
The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link guide employers and employees in meeting these specific USCIS requirements for new and expanding offices.
Path to Permanent Residency (Green Card) for L-1B Holders
Yes — L-1B visa holders can apply for a Green Card (U.S. permanent residency). However, this process generally requires transitioning from an L-1B visa to an employment-based immigrant visa category.
Here’s how it works:
- Employer Sponsorship: Your employer must sponsor you for a permanent position that requires your specialized knowledge.
- Green Card Categories:
- EB-2: For professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability.
- EB-3: For skilled, professional, or unskilled workers.
- EB-5: For investors who contribute substantial capital to a U.S. business.
- EB-2: For professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability.
- PERM Labor Certification: The employer must complete a PERM certification to show there are no qualified U.S. workers for the position.
- I-140 Petition: The employer then files Form I-140 to classify the applicant as an immigrant worker.
- Adjustment of Status (I-485): Once approved, the applicant can apply for permanent residency without leaving the U.S.
Why Choose an L-1B Visa Over an H-1B Visa?
Both the L-1B and H-1B visas are designed for professionals with specialized knowledge, but they serve different purposes within the U.S. immigration system. Choosing between them depends on your role, your employer’s structure, and your long-term goals. Below, our immigration attorneys at Green Card Link explain the critical distinctions to help you decide which visa best fits your situation.
Understanding the Difference: L-1B vs. H-1B Visa
For instance, if a software development company in India wants to transfer an experienced developer to its U.S. subsidiary, the L-1B visa would be the ideal option for facilitating the intra-company transfer.
Conversely, if a pharmaceutical company in Canada wants to hire a research scientist to work directly on a U.S.-based project, the H-1B visa would be more appropriate since it allows U.S. companies to sponsor foreign talent directly.
Education and Eligibility Requirements
L-1B Visa: Designed for intra-company transferees who possess specialized knowledge about a company’s products, processes, or services. The applicant must have worked for a qualifying organization abroad for at least one continuous year within the previous three years and must be transferring to a related U.S. entity.
H-1B Visa: Allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations that require theoretical and practical expertise, typically requiring at least a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field.
Annual Cap and Availability
L-1B Visa: The L-1B visa has no annual cap, making it highly flexible for multinational companies that need to transfer employees as business demands arise.
H-1B Visa: The H-1B visa program is capped at a specific number of visas each fiscal year and is often subject to a competitive lottery system due to high demand.
Prevailing Wage and Salary Requirements
L-1B Visa: Employers have greater freedom in determining compensation since there are no prevailing wage requirements under the L-1B category.
H-1B Visa: Employers must comply with prevailing wage standards, ensuring foreign workers receive salaries consistent with similar U.S. positions. While this provides wage protection for employees, it can limit employer flexibility compared to the L-1B.
Duration of Stay and Extensions
L-1B Visa: The initial stay is typically up to five years, which is slightly shorter than the H-1B visa. After reaching the maximum duration, the visa holder must either change status or return abroad.
H-1B Visa: The maximum stay is six years, and extensions may be available under certain circumstances, such as pending green card applications.
Employment Flexibility and Job Mobility
H-1B Visa: One of the key advantages of the H-1B is job transferability. Holders can change employers by filing for an H-1B transfer, allowing them to pursue new opportunities within the U.S. without losing visa status.
L-1B Visa: L-1B holders are employer-specific and cannot switch companies unless they obtain a new visa or change status. This visa is best suited for professionals committed to staying within their multinational organization.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Visa for Your Situation
Both the L-1B and H-1B visas support dual intent, allowing foreign professionals to work temporarily in the United States while maintaining the option to apply for a green card.
The ideal choice depends on several factors — whether you are transferring within a multinational company, your educational background, the availability of H-1B slots, and how much employment flexibility you need.
How Green Card Link Helps Specialized Workers Secure an L-1B Visa
At Green Card Link, our immigration attorneys focus on helping multinational companies and skilled employees successfully navigate the L-1B visa process. We assist employers in demonstrating qualifying business relationships, preparing detailed documentation, and proving that the transferee possesses the necessary specialized knowledge.
Our goal is to make the process efficient and stress-free — ensuring compliance with all immigration requirements and maximizing your approval chances. Whether you are an employer looking to transfer talent or a professional seeking to contribute your expertise in the U.S., our team provides step-by-step guidance tailored to your goals.
Schedule a Consultation With an Immigration Attorney at Green Card Link
Take the next step toward your U.S. career opportunity with confidence. The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link have decades of experience helping companies and professionals obtain L-1B visas and other employment-based immigration benefits.
Schedule a confidential consultation today to discuss your case, evaluate your visa options, and receive personalized legal guidance from a trusted immigration team dedicated to your success.