Complete guide to the L-1A intracompany transfer visa for executives and managers, with requirements, costs, and processing times for 2026.
Complete guide to the L-1A intracompany transfer visa for executives and managers, with requirements, costs, and processing times for 2026.
The L-1A visa allows multinational companies to transfer executives and managers from foreign offices to U.S. operations. The employee must have worked for the foreign entity in a managerial or executive capacity for at least 1 continuous year within the past 3 years. The I-129 filing fee is $1,385 ($695 for small employers), plus $600 Asylum Program Fee and $500 fraud prevention fee. Premium processing costs $2,805 ($2,965 after March 1, 2026) for a 15 business day decision. There is no annual cap or lottery.
The L-1A has no annual cap and no lottery - petitions can be filed year-round for qualifying transfers.
The employee must have worked for the foreign entity in a managerial or executive role for at least 1 continuous year within the past 3 years.
The U.S. and foreign companies must have a qualifying relationship: parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate.
The I-129 filing fee is $1,385 ($695 for small employers), plus $600 Asylum Program Fee and $500 fraud prevention fee.
Premium processing costs $2,805 ($2,965 after March 1, 2026) for a 15 business day decision.
The L-1A is initially valid for 3 years (1 year for new offices), with extensions up to a maximum of 7 years.
L-1A holders have a direct path to the EB-1C green card for multinational managers and executives.
The L-1A has no annual cap and no lottery - petitions can be filed year-round for qualifying transfers.
The employee must have worked for the foreign entity in a managerial or executive role for at least 1 continuous year within the past 3 years.
The U.S. and foreign companies must have a qualifying relationship: parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate.
The I-129 filing fee is $1,385 ($695 for small employers), plus $600 Asylum Program Fee and $500 fraud prevention fee.
Premium processing costs $2,805 ($2,965 after March 1, 2026) for a 15 business day decision.
The L-1A is initially valid for 3 years (1 year for new offices), with extensions up to a maximum of 7 years.
L-1A holders have a direct path to the EB-1C green card for multinational managers and executives.
The L-1A is a nonimmigrant (temporary) work visa that allows multinational companies to transfer executives and managers from foreign offices to U.S. operations. It is governed by 8 CFR 214.2(l) and Section 101(a)(15)(L) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The L-1A is one of the most popular visas for multinational corporations expanding to or operating in the United States. Unlike the H-1B, it has no annual cap, no lottery, and no degree requirement. The visa is a dual-intent visa, meaning L-1A holders can pursue permanent residency (green card) without jeopardizing their L-1A status.
Learn more about the L-1A visa
Must have worked for the foreign company in a managerial or executive capacity for at least 1 continuous year within the 3 years immediately preceding the transfer
Must be coming to the U.S. to work in a managerial or executive capacity for the U.S. entity
Does not need a specific degree (qualification is based on role, not education)
The U.S. and foreign entities must have a qualifying relationship: parent-subsidiary, branch, or affiliate (at least 50% common ownership and/or control)
Both entities must be doing business (regular, systematic provision of goods or services)
The U.S. entity must be or will be doing business for the duration of the employee's stay
Executive Capacity: Directs the management of the organization or a major component. Establishes goals and policies. Exercises wide latitude in discretionary decision-making. Receives only general supervision from higher-level executives or the board.
Managerial Capacity: Manages the organization, department, or function. Supervises other supervisory, professional, or managerial employees. Has authority to hire and fire or recommend personnel actions. Exercises discretion over day-to-day operations.
Functional Manager: Manages an essential function without directly supervising staff. Must demonstrate senior-level authority and responsibility for the function's success.
Companies opening a new U.S. office can file a "new office" L-1A petition. Special rules apply:
Initial approval is limited to 1 year (instead of 3 years for established offices)
Must provide a business plan showing the need for the executive/manager
Must demonstrate the new office will support a managerial or executive position within 1 year
Evidence of physical office space (lease agreements)
Evidence of business activity or plans (contracts, client relationships, financial projections)
To extend beyond the initial year, the company must show the office is operational and the position is genuinely managerial/executive
Articles of incorporation for both entities
Stock certificates or ownership documents
Organizational charts showing relationship
Annual reports or financial statements
Detailed job descriptions for both foreign and U.S. positions (showing managerial/executive duties)
Employment verification letter from foreign employer
Organizational charts showing subordinate employees
Pay stubs or tax records from foreign employment
Evidence of U.S. business operations (lease, bank statements, client contracts)
Financial statements demonstrating ability to pay the offered wage
Organizational chart showing the U.S. operation and staffing
Step 1: Verify the qualifying corporate relationship and the employee's 1-year employment history. Step 2: Prepare detailed job descriptions demonstrating managerial/executive capacity for both positions. Step 3: U.S. employer files Form I-129 with all supporting evidence and fees. Step 4: USCIS adjudication (3-6 months standard, 15 business days premium). Step 5: If the employee is abroad, attend a visa interview at a U.S. consulate ($205 DS-160 fee + $250 Visa Integrity Fee). Step 6: Enter the U.S. and begin work.
Not sure if the L-1A is right for you? Take the free visa evaluation
Item | Standard Employer | Small Employer/Nonprofit |
|---|---|---|
I-129 filing fee | $1,385 | $695 |
Asylum Program Fee | $600 | $300 |
Fraud prevention fee | $500 | $500 |
Premium processing | $2,805 ($2,965 after March 1, 2026) | $2,805 |
Standard processing time | 3-6 months | 3-6 months |
Premium processing time | 15 business days | 15 business days |
DS-160 visa application fee | $205 | $205 |
Visa Integrity Fee | $250 | $250 |
L-1A initial duration | 3 years (1 year for new office) | 3 years (1 year for new office) |
Maximum duration | 7 years | 7 years |
L-1A approval rate (FY2025) | ~92.4% | ~92.4% |
Feature | L-1A | H-1B |
|---|---|---|
Annual Cap | No cap | 85,000 (lottery) |
Lottery Required | No | Yes |
Degree Required | No | Bachelor's minimum |
Prior Employment | 1 year with foreign affiliate | None |
Filing Fee | $1,385 + $600 + $500 | $1,055 + $600 + $500 + $750-$1,500 ACWIA |
Presidential Proclamation Fee | N/A | $100,000 (new petitions) |
Premium Processing | 15 business days ($2,805) | 15 business days ($2,805) |
Initial Duration | 3 years | 3 years |
Maximum Stay | 7 years | 6 years |
Spouse Work Authorization | Yes (L-2 automatic) | Yes (H-4 EAD required) |
Path to Green Card | EB-1C (direct) | EB-2/EB-3 (requires PERM) |
Best For | Multinational executives transferring | Professionals in specialty occupations |
Learn more about the H-1B visa
The L-1A provides a direct pathway to the EB-1C green card for multinational managers and executives. Both require similar evidence:
Qualifying corporate relationship
Managerial or executive capacity
1 year of qualifying employment abroad
The EB-1C is part of the EB-1 preference category, which generally has current priority dates. This makes the L-1A to EB-1C transition one of the fastest routes to a green card for multinational executives.
Learn more about the EB-1C visa
Simply having a "manager" title is not enough. USCIS requires evidence that the employee manages other managers, professionals, or an essential function. First-line supervisors of non-professional staff generally do not qualify.
Failure to clearly demonstrate the parent-subsidiary, branch, or affiliate relationship with ownership documentation leads to RFEs.
New office L-1A petitions require detailed business plans showing how the office will grow to support a genuinely managerial or executive position within 1 year.
Both entities must be actively doing business. A dormant or shell company does not qualify as a petitioning employer.
Disclaimer: OpenSphere is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal counsel. Immigration laws change frequently; always consult with a licensed immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Not sure which visa is right for you? Take OpenSphere's free visa evaluation to get a personalized recommendation in minutes.
The L-1A is a nonimmigrant (temporary) work visa that allows multinational companies to transfer executives and managers from foreign offices to U.S. operations. It is governed by 8 CFR 214.2(l) and Section 101(a)(15)(L) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The L-1A is one of the most popular visas for multinational corporations expanding to or operating in the United States. Unlike the H-1B, it has no annual cap, no lottery, and no degree requirement. The visa is a dual-intent visa, meaning L-1A holders can pursue permanent residency (green card) without jeopardizing their L-1A status.
Learn more about the L-1A visa
Must have worked for the foreign company in a managerial or executive capacity for at least 1 continuous year within the 3 years immediately preceding the transfer
Must be coming to the U.S. to work in a managerial or executive capacity for the U.S. entity
Does not need a specific degree (qualification is based on role, not education)
The U.S. and foreign entities must have a qualifying relationship: parent-subsidiary, branch, or affiliate (at least 50% common ownership and/or control)
Both entities must be doing business (regular, systematic provision of goods or services)
The U.S. entity must be or will be doing business for the duration of the employee's stay
Executive Capacity: Directs the management of the organization or a major component. Establishes goals and policies. Exercises wide latitude in discretionary decision-making. Receives only general supervision from higher-level executives or the board.
Managerial Capacity: Manages the organization, department, or function. Supervises other supervisory, professional, or managerial employees. Has authority to hire and fire or recommend personnel actions. Exercises discretion over day-to-day operations.
Functional Manager: Manages an essential function without directly supervising staff. Must demonstrate senior-level authority and responsibility for the function's success.
Companies opening a new U.S. office can file a "new office" L-1A petition. Special rules apply:
Initial approval is limited to 1 year (instead of 3 years for established offices)
Must provide a business plan showing the need for the executive/manager
Must demonstrate the new office will support a managerial or executive position within 1 year
Evidence of physical office space (lease agreements)
Evidence of business activity or plans (contracts, client relationships, financial projections)
To extend beyond the initial year, the company must show the office is operational and the position is genuinely managerial/executive
Articles of incorporation for both entities
Stock certificates or ownership documents
Organizational charts showing relationship
Annual reports or financial statements
Detailed job descriptions for both foreign and U.S. positions (showing managerial/executive duties)
Employment verification letter from foreign employer
Organizational charts showing subordinate employees
Pay stubs or tax records from foreign employment
Evidence of U.S. business operations (lease, bank statements, client contracts)
Financial statements demonstrating ability to pay the offered wage
Organizational chart showing the U.S. operation and staffing
Step 1: Verify the qualifying corporate relationship and the employee's 1-year employment history. Step 2: Prepare detailed job descriptions demonstrating managerial/executive capacity for both positions. Step 3: U.S. employer files Form I-129 with all supporting evidence and fees. Step 4: USCIS adjudication (3-6 months standard, 15 business days premium). Step 5: If the employee is abroad, attend a visa interview at a U.S. consulate ($205 DS-160 fee + $250 Visa Integrity Fee). Step 6: Enter the U.S. and begin work.
Not sure if the L-1A is right for you? Take the free visa evaluation
Item | Standard Employer | Small Employer/Nonprofit |
|---|---|---|
I-129 filing fee | $1,385 | $695 |
Asylum Program Fee | $600 | $300 |
Fraud prevention fee | $500 | $500 |
Premium processing | $2,805 ($2,965 after March 1, 2026) | $2,805 |
Standard processing time | 3-6 months | 3-6 months |
Premium processing time | 15 business days | 15 business days |
DS-160 visa application fee | $205 | $205 |
Visa Integrity Fee | $250 | $250 |
L-1A initial duration | 3 years (1 year for new office) | 3 years (1 year for new office) |
Maximum duration | 7 years | 7 years |
L-1A approval rate (FY2025) | ~92.4% | ~92.4% |
Feature | L-1A | H-1B |
|---|---|---|
Annual Cap | No cap | 85,000 (lottery) |
Lottery Required | No | Yes |
Degree Required | No | Bachelor's minimum |
Prior Employment | 1 year with foreign affiliate | None |
Filing Fee | $1,385 + $600 + $500 | $1,055 + $600 + $500 + $750-$1,500 ACWIA |
Presidential Proclamation Fee | N/A | $100,000 (new petitions) |
Premium Processing | 15 business days ($2,805) | 15 business days ($2,805) |
Initial Duration | 3 years | 3 years |
Maximum Stay | 7 years | 6 years |
Spouse Work Authorization | Yes (L-2 automatic) | Yes (H-4 EAD required) |
Path to Green Card | EB-1C (direct) | EB-2/EB-3 (requires PERM) |
Best For | Multinational executives transferring | Professionals in specialty occupations |
Learn more about the H-1B visa
The L-1A provides a direct pathway to the EB-1C green card for multinational managers and executives. Both require similar evidence:
Qualifying corporate relationship
Managerial or executive capacity
1 year of qualifying employment abroad
The EB-1C is part of the EB-1 preference category, which generally has current priority dates. This makes the L-1A to EB-1C transition one of the fastest routes to a green card for multinational executives.
Learn more about the EB-1C visa
Simply having a "manager" title is not enough. USCIS requires evidence that the employee manages other managers, professionals, or an essential function. First-line supervisors of non-professional staff generally do not qualify.
Failure to clearly demonstrate the parent-subsidiary, branch, or affiliate relationship with ownership documentation leads to RFEs.
New office L-1A petitions require detailed business plans showing how the office will grow to support a genuinely managerial or executive position within 1 year.
Both entities must be actively doing business. A dormant or shell company does not qualify as a petitioning employer.
Disclaimer: OpenSphere is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal counsel. Immigration laws change frequently; always consult with a licensed immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Not sure which visa is right for you? Take OpenSphere's free visa evaluation to get a personalized recommendation in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does L-1A processing take in 2026?
Standard processing takes 3-6 months. Premium processing guarantees USCIS action within 15 business days for $2,805 ($2,965 after March 1, 2026). L-1A approval rates reached approximately 92.4% in the first three quarters of FY2025. Consular processing after I-129 approval adds 2-8 weeks depending on the embassy.
How long does L-1A processing take in 2026?
Can a new company file an L-1A petition?
Yes, through the "new office" L-1A process. The initial approval is limited to 1 year (instead of 3 years). The company must provide a business plan, evidence of physical office space, and demonstrate the new office will support a managerial or executive position. Extensions require showing the office is operational with adequate staff.
Can a new company file an L-1A petition?
Can L-1A holders apply for a green card?
Yes. The L-1A is a dual-intent visa. L-1A holders can directly pursue the EB-1C green card for multinational managers and executives using similar evidence. The EB-1C is part of the EB-1 category with generally current priority dates, making this one of the fastest green card pathways available.
Can L-1A holders apply for a green card?
What is the difference between L-1A and L-1B visas?
The L-1A is for managers and executives, while the L-1B is for employees with specialized knowledge. The L-1A has a maximum stay of 7 years; the L-1B maximum is 5 years. L-1A holders have a direct path to the EB-1C green card, while L-1B holders must use the EB-2 or EB-3 green card routes, which typically have longer processing times and backlogs.
What is the difference between L-1A and L-1B visas?
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