L1 intra-company transferee visa

Expanding your business into the United States often means you need the right people in the right place. That’s where the L1A Visa comes in — a specialized U.S. work visa designed to help multinational companies transfer executives or managers from their foreign offices to a U.S. subsidiary, branch, or affiliate.

Whether you are establishing a new U.S. office or supporting an existing one, the L1A Visa makes it easier to ensure your top talent is on the ground to lead and grow your operations.

What is the L1A Visa?

The L1A Visa is a non-immigrant visa category that allows a company to transfer an executive or manager from its office outside the U.S. to work at its related office in the United States. It can also be used when a foreign company wants to send an executive or manager to establish a new office in the U.S.

This visa is specifically intended for:

• Executives who make high-level decisions with little supervision.

• Managers who supervise other employees and manage essential company functions.

Who is Eligible for an L1A Visa?

To qualify for an L1A Visa:

1. The employee must have worked for the company (or its affiliate) outside the U.S. for at least 1 continuous year in the past 3 years.

2. The U.S. company must have a qualifying relationship with the foreign company (subsidiary, affiliate, or branch).

3. The role in the U.S. must be executive or managerial in nature.

Why Choose an L1A Visa?

The L1A Visa offers several advantages for businesses and employees:

• Smooth Global Talent Transfer – Move key staff to the U.S. without the lengthy recruitment process.

• Dual Intent – The L1A Visa allows the possibility of transitioning to a Green Card through the EB-1C category.

• Family Benefits – Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can accompany the visa holder on an L2 Visa, and spouses can work in the U.S.

• Longer Stay – Up to 7 years for executives and managers.

L1A Visa for a New U.S. Office

If you are setting up a new branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in the U.S., the L1A Visa allows you to send a key executive or manager to get operations running. Initially, the visa may be granted for 1 year, with extensions available once the business shows active operations.

Application Process

1. Employer Files Petition – The U.S. company files Form I-129 with USCIS.

2. Supporting Documents – Proof of the qualifying relationship, the employee’s role, and work history.

3. Visa Interview – Once approved, the employee applies for the visa at a U.S. consulate.