The short answer
L-1 lets a company move an employee from a foreign office to a related U.S. office. You must have worked for the company abroad for at least one continuous year in the last three years, as a manager, executive or specialized-knowledge worker.
What to know
- L-1A: managers and executives. L-1B: employees with specialized knowledge.
- The U.S. and foreign offices must be related as parent, branch, subsidiary or affiliate.
- A company may use a “blanket” approval for repeat transfers.
- New offices have extra rules and a shorter first stay.
- Total time is limited, and L-1A can last longer than L-1B.
For the exact rules, forms and fees, see USCIS.
Visa Status is an unofficial site. This is general information in plain words, not legal advice. Rules, fees and forms change, so check the official website and your own papers. Written October 2026.