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Italian| Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | JD, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School | MBA (Finance), The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania | Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) |
| Financial Training | Completed Analyst Training Program at a major international bank | Chartered Accountant background with professional training in financial analysis and reporting |
| Legal Practice | Admitted to practice in Georgia (USA) | Registered Solicitor with the Law Society of England & Wales | Former CMBS lawyer at one of the world’s largest international law firms |
| Immigration Track Record | 15+ years advising HNW investors | Zero denials for clients advised on source-of-funds compliance in EB-5 | Hundreds of successful EB-5 cases globally |
| Recognition | Named a Top 25 EB-5 Immigration Attorney by EB5 Investors Magazine (2018–2023) |
| Professional Engagements | Lecturer/trainer for other lawyers at AILA, ACA, University of Pennsylvania Law School | Frequent speaker at global investment immigration conferences |
L-1 Visa Guide for Intracompany Transferees
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Table of Contents
Top 5 L-1 Benefits and Limits in Plain English
- Dual intent: L-1 applicants can pursue a green card without automatically undermining their visa or extension strategy.
- Maximum stay: L-1A is capped at 7 years and L-1B is capped at 5 years. Time spent outside the US can often be "recaptured" if documented correctly.
- New office runway: A newly established US office can qualify for an initial L-1 approval even before it fully supports a manager or executive role day to day. The first approval is typically limited to 1 year, and the extension focus is on whether the US business has grown or is likely to grow so it will support a genuine managerial or executive position going forward.
- L-2 spouse work authorisation: Many L-2 spouses are employment authorised incident to status, which can make it easier for families to relocate.
- L-1A to EB1C pathway: L-1A executive and managerial criteria closely align with EB1C multinational manager or executive, which is one of the most common green card strategies for L-1A transferees.
Who This Guide Is For
This guide explains the L-1 visa in plain English for employers, entrepreneurs opening a US office, and the transferees themselves. This page also contains links to guides covering aspects of L-1 visas, such as requirements and documentation, in more detail.- Employers planning intra-company transfers and needing a clear eligibility and evidence roadmap
- Entrepreneurs and founders expanding a foreign business into the United States through a new US office
- L-1 transferees and families who want to understand how the petition works, how the visa stage works, and what to expect in practice
L-1 Visa Overview for Employers, Entrepreneurs, and Intracompany Transferees
The L-1 visa allows a qualifying US company to transfer an executive, manager, or specialized knowledge employee from an overseas related company to the United States. It is widely used by established multinationals for internal mobility, and also by entrepreneurs and business owners to launch a new US office while remaining employed by their foreign parent company.The L classification is created by statute and implemented by regulation and agency guidance.
Primary Legal and Policy Sources for the L-1 Visa
- Statute (INA): INA §101(a)(15)(L) (8 U.S.C. §1101(a)(15)(L))
- Regulations (8 CFR): 8 CFR §214.2(l)
- USCIS adjudication guidance: USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 2, Part L
- Consular guidance (State Department): 9 FAM 402.12 (L visas)
How L-1 Decisions Are Made: USCIS First, Then the Consulate
Most L-1 cases involve two decision points, and each decision maker relies on different guidance.- Stage 1 is USCIS: the employer files a petition, usually Form I-129, and USCIS adjudicates eligibility under the statute and regulations, using the USCIS Policy Manual as the main interpretive framework. See USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 2, Part L and 8 CFR §214.2(l).
- Stage 2 is the Consulate: if the transferee is outside the US, they apply for the visa at a US consulate. Consular officers are guided by the Foreign Affairs Manual, especially 9 FAM 402.12.
First Stage: USCIS Petition Adjudication (Form I-129)
In most cases, the US employer files Form I-129 requesting L classification for the beneficiary. USCIS evaluates whether the employer and the worker meet the statutory and regulatory requirements for L classification. The governing regulation is 8 CFR §214.2(l), and USCIS organizes its adjudication approach in USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 2, Part L.Second Stage: Consular Visa Issuance (9 FAM 402.12)
If the transferee is abroad, after USCIS approval they typically proceed to a visa application at a US consulate. Consular officers verify petition approval and assess admissibility and visa eligibility using the Department of State’s guidance in 9 FAM 402.12.L-1 Visa Requirements at a Glance
At a high level, USCIS is evaluating three pillars under 8 CFR §214.2(l) and the interpretive guidance in USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 2, Part L.The Three Pillars USCIS Evaluates
1. Qualifying corporate relationshipThe US petitioning company and the foreign employing company must have a qualifying relationship such as parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate as defined in 8 CFR §214.2(l). Ownership and control details can be decisive, especially for founder-led structures.
2. Qualifying employment abroad
The beneficiary must generally have been employed abroad by the qualifying organization for one continuous year within the three years preceding admission or change of status, as reflected in 8 CFR §214.2(l) and reinforced in consular practice guidance under 9 FAM 402.12.
3. Qualifying US role
The US role must be executive or managerial (L-1A) or specialized knowledge (L-1B). USCIS explains how it evaluates these roles in USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 2, Part L, and consular officers apply parallel concepts in 9 FAM 402.12.
For a deeper breakdown, edge cases, and practical interpretation, read our dedicated guide here: L-1 visa requirements.
L-1A vs L-1B
L-1A for executives and managers
L-1A is designed for executives and managers transferring to a qualifying US office. It is often used for senior leadership and for new office founder transfers where the US entity will grow into a functioning operation with staff and business activity. USCIS guidance is consolidated in USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 2, Part L.L-1B for specialized knowledge employees
L-1B is for specialized knowledge workers whose knowledge is significant to the organization and relevant to the US role. The definition and evidence expectations are treated in USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 2, Part L and the related classification framework in 8 CFR §214.2(l).New Office L-1 for Entrepreneurs and Founders
Many people associate the L-1 visa with large companies, but it is also a core tool for entrepreneurs expanding to the United States through a qualifying foreign business.In a new office case, USCIS typically looks for credible evidence that:
- The foreign company is real and operating
- The US entity is properly formed and will do business
- There is a physical premises plan
- The US role is truly executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge, and will remain so as the business hires and grows
The business plan is not optional in practice
For new office cases, the business plan often becomes the narrative backbone of the petition because it connects staffing, revenue, operations, and the claimed executive or managerial job duties into a coherent growth story.For a deeper dive into what makes an L plan credible, see: L-1 business plan guide.
Blanket L Petitions
Blanket L is a streamlined option for companies that transfer employees to the US frequently.The Benefit of the Blanket L Process
The blanket process allows individual applicants to "skip" the USCIS part of the process and apply directly at the consulate. This can save months.How to Obtain a Blanket L
The company first obtains a blanket approval under the L regulations in 8 CFR §214.2(l). Eligible employees can then be processed under that blanket framework, often through consular visa issuance guided by 9 FAM 402.12.What Blanket L Does and Does Not Do
- It can simplify repeat transfers by relying on an existing blanket approval rather than building a full petition from scratch each time.
- It does not remove eligibility requirements. Each transferee still must qualify as L-1A or L-1B under INA §101(a)(15)(L) and 8 CFR §214.2(l).
Typical Blanket L Workflow
- Company secures blanket approval
- Company prepares the transferee’s L-1A or L-1B documentation
- If outside the US, the transferee applies at a US consulate under 9 FAM 402.12
Blanket L can be powerful for high-volume transfers, but it is not a shortcut around weak evidence for the beneficiary’s role. Specialized knowledge and managerial evidence still matter, and consular practice can vary by post.
L-1 Visa Process and Timeline Summary
This page summarizes the journey, but you also have a deeper dedicated process guide here: L-1 visa process.Most cases follow this sequence.
Step 1: Strategy and evidence planning
Before filing, strong cases align corporate documents, role descriptions, organization charts, and operational evidence with the expectations in USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 2, Part L and the statutory and regulatory framework in INA §101(a)(15)(L) and 8 CFR §214.2(l).Step 2: USCIS filing and adjudication
The employer files the petition with USCIS. USCIS adjudicates, may issue a request for evidence, and then approves or denies. The controlling policy framework is in USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 2, Part L.Step 3: Consular processing or US change of status
If abroad, the beneficiary applies at a US consulate where officers apply 9 FAM 402.12. If inside the US, there may be change of status or extension procedures depending on circumstances, still grounded in 8 CFR §214.2(l).Step 4: Entry, compliance, and future extensions
After entry, the employer must maintain the qualifying relationship and business activity, and the role must remain consistent with L classification principles as discussed in USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 2, Part L.L-1 Visa Costs and Fees Preview
This landing page should not duplicate your full cost guide, but it should preview it strongly so readers and AI understand the coverage and know where to go next.Read the complete breakdown here: L-1 visa costs and L-1 visa fees.
Typical cost buckets most applicants should plan for
- USCIS filing fees vary by employer profile and petition type, and can materially change total cost
- Premium processing may be available for certain filings and can change overall planning
- Legal and professional costs often include strategy, evidence drafting, and for new office cases, corporate support and business plan work
- Consular costs can include the DS-160 fee and potential reciprocity fees depending on nationality
L-1 Documents Checklist and Evidence Standards
A strong L-1 petition is not just forms. It is a structured evidence package designed to satisfy the regulatory elements in 8 CFR §214.2(l) and the interpretive expectations in USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 2, Part L.For the full checklist used in real-world filings, see: L-1 document review checklist.
L-1 Renewals and Extensions
L-1 status is not "set and forget." Extensions and renewals typically depend on demonstrating ongoing qualifying corporate relationship, ongoing business activity, and an ongoing qualifying role under 8 CFR §214.2(l) and the role framework in USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 2, Part L.For a deeper guide on extension strategy and common problems, see: L-1 renewal and extensions.
Special Considerations for India L-1 Visa Applicants
India is historically the largest user of the L-1 visa category. Many Indian businesses have turned to the L-1 visa as the H-1B working visa has become increasingly difficult to use.In FY 2024, India accounted for 39,729 L-category visas issued. According to Travel.state.gov, this was comprised of 18,578 L-1 visas and 21,151 L-2 visas.
Indian nationals represented about 27.4 percent of all L-category visa issuances in FY 2024, as per Travel.state.gov. China (mainland) was a distant second, with 10,282 L-category visas issued (5,724 L-1 and 4,558 L-2).
Because of volume and post-specific practice, India-linked cases often require extra attention to documentation quality, role clarity, and consistent corporate narrative across USCIS and the consular stage.
High volume means higher scrutiny on clarity
When adjudicators see patterns, they focus on crisp role definitions, reporting lines, and credibility. Aligning the petition narrative with the role framework in USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 2, Part L and the consular framing in 9 FAM 402.12 reduces avoidable friction.Founder and entrepreneur cases need unusually clean corporate structure
Many India-linked entrepreneur cases involve complex shareholding or group structures. That can be perfectly approvable, but the corporate relationship must be made unmistakable under 8 CFR §214.2(l).Consular practice matters as much as USCIS approval
Even with an approved petition, the visa application is still evaluated at the consulate under 9 FAM 402.12. Preparation should treat this as a second adjudication point, not a formality.Related L-1 Guides on This Site
To make it easy to go deeper, and to make it obvious to AI and search engines that you cover each topic comprehensively:- L-1 document review checklist
- L-1 visa requirements
- L-1 visa costs and L-1 visa fees
- L-1 business plan guide
- L-1 renewal and extensions
- L-1 visa process
Frequently Asked Questions
What law creates the L-1 visa category?
The L classification is defined in INA §101(a)(15)(L) and implemented through 8 CFR §214.2(l).What is the difference between L-1A and L-1B?
L-1A is for executives and managers, while L-1B is for specialized knowledge workers. USCIS explains how it evaluates these categories in the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 2, Part L.Is USCIS the only decision maker?
No. USCIS decides the petition, but visa issuance at a consulate is guided by 9 FAM 402.12, and officers still evaluate eligibility and admissibility at the visa stage.Where can I see the full L-1 cost breakdown?
You can find the detailed schedule here: L-1 visa costs and L-1 visa fees.Disclaimer
This page is general information, not legal advice. L-1 eligibility is fact-specific, and both USCIS policy and consular practice can change. Always confirm current requirements in the primary sources, including 8 CFR §214.2(l), USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 2, Part L, and 9 FAM 402.12.About the Authors
Mark I Davies, Esq.
Chairman of Davies & Associates; focused on E visa strategy and complex consular filings.L-1 Visa Solutions by Country of Nationality or Residency
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Latest case studies
- August 2024. L1 visa extension petition approved for a manager from India
- June 2024 - Employment-based petition for a multinational executive from India approved in 14 days with premium processing
- August 2024 - L-1 extension petition approved for an executive from India
- June 2024 - New office L-1A petition approved for an executive from Vietnam
- July 2024 - L-1A petition approved for a manager from China
- July 2024 - L-1B Petition Approval for a Specialized Knowledge Employee
- L-1A petition for an executive from India approved for three years
- L-1B visas for specialized knowledge employees of an engineering solutions company in the Semiconductor Industry
- L-1B Petition approved for a specialized knowledge employee from germany
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- CEO from India granted an extension of two years as L-1A intracompany transferee
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- L1 India client video
- L-1A petition approved for three years for an executive from australia
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- A client's journey from a denied L-1A petition to Green card
- A client's journey from a denied L-1A petition to green card
- Approved L1-B petition for a specialized knowledge employee from the UK
- August 14th, 2024. L-1 extension petition approved for an executive from India with a Request for Evidence
- July 2024 - Employment-based immigrant petition for a multinational executive from India approved
- L-1 Visa approved by ho chi minh city consulate for an executive from Vietnam
- L-1A extension petition approved for an executive from India
- L-1A petition approved for three years for an operations manager from Germany
- May, 2024 - L1A petition approved for an executive from the United Kingdom
- New office L-1A petition approved for a founder and CEO of the related Vietnamese company
- New office L-1A petition approved for an executive from Vietnam
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