L-1B Visa
The L-1B visa allows a U.S. employer to transfer an employee with specialized knowledge of the company’s products, services, technology, or processes to a U.S. office. It can also be used to bring specialized employees to help establish a new U.S. office.
Technical Experts
Process Specialists
Employees with unique knowledge critical to U.S. operations
Employed at least 1 continuous year within the last 3 years by a qualifying related entity abroad
Possess specialized knowledge that is:
Advanced knowledge of the organization’s products, services, research, or processes, or
Unique expertise not easily transferable or replaceable
Processing Time
Premium Processing: 15 business days (Form I-907)
Standard Processing: Varies by service center (check USCIS Processing Times tool)
Visa Duration
Initial stay: up to 1 year for a new office; up to 3 years otherwise
Extensions: in increments of 2 years
Maximum stay: 5 years (may extend to 7 if reclassified to L-1A)
OpenSphere Services
Petition drafting & specialized knowledge documentation strategy
RFE response support
Assistance with new office L-1B filings
Full legal guidance from filing to consular processing
