L-1A Visas
L-1A visas are for Multi-National Executives or Managers who have worked for a multinational company abroad
for at least 1 of the past 3 years, who are being transferred to a parent, subsidiary or affiliate company in the
United States in order to work in a similar executive or managerial capacity.
L-1B is for those who have served in a specialized area for the foreign company, coming here to serve in that
capacity.
L-1A visas are typically granted for 3 years. Please note that, where the US company has been in business for less
than one year, L1A status is only issued for 1 year, after which it can be extended.
The petition must be supported with evidence of the relationship between the foreign and U.S. companies; the
beneficiary’s work history with the foreign company, the proposed position for the U.S. company and the ability of
the U.S. company to support a managerial or executive position.
L-1A may be granted for up to 7 years, or indefinitely in instances where the Beneficiary is not often in the U.S.
L-1A visa holders may intend to immigrate and, in fact, there is a separate EB-1 green card category for multi-
national executives who wish to receive U.S. Permanent Residence. As this is an EB-1 green card category, visas
are ‘immediately available’ and are typically granted within several months of filing.
Spouses of L-1A visa holders receive L-2 visa status, and are eligible to apply for work authorization.
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