Intra-Company Transferees Visa Overview

L Class Nonimmigrant Visa for Intra-Company Transferees

The L visa is a nonimmigrant visa granted to certain classes of employees being transferred to the United States for the purpose of working within a company unit based within the United States.

Below you'll find information about the application process for the L visa.

What You’ll Find on This Page:

  • Who Qualifies for an L Visa?
  • L Visa Application Process
  • Visa Application Fees
  • Can I Bring Family Members into the Country with an L Visa?
  • Can I Receive a Time Extension to Stay Longer on an L Visa?

Who Qualifies for An L Visa?

If you are an employee of an international company with offices both in your native country and the United States, or your company has the intent of opening a branch of the company in the United States, then you may be eligible for an L-1 visa. The L-1 visa has two categories:

  • L-1A for Executives and Managers.
  • L-1B for Workers with Specialized Knowledge.

There are also two types of L-1 procedures:

  • Regular L-1 visas. Using this process, the USCIS must approve each individual granted an L-1 visa. Your company must file a petition with the USCIS and each petition is evaluated independently.
  • Blanket L-1. These visas are available to companies  that hire large numbers of intra-company transferee employees each year.

L Visa Application Process

The process to obtain an L visa is as follows:

  • Submit Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, to USCIS. With Form I-129, your employer must also submit documentation showing that both the U.S. company and the foreign parent, subsidiary, affiliate or branch meet the qualifying factors set forth in the law and regulations.
  • Notice of approval of Form I-129 will be given on Form I-797, Notice of Action.
  • Using this for the basis of the application, you may apply for your visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy within your native country.

Visa Application Fees

Once your L-1 status has been approved, the following fees will apply and are paid by your company:

  • Filing Fee: $190.00
  • For a New Office Petition, there is a $500.00 Fraud Fee.
  • Premium Processing is available for a surcharge of $1,000.00. The USCIS will review the petition within 15 calendar days. 

Can I Bring Family Members into the Country with an L Visa?

Yes. Your unmarried, minor children are automatically eligible for the L-2 visa.Your spouse may work on an L-2 visa upon receiving separate employment authorization from the USCIS.

Can I Receive a Time Extension to Stay Longer on an L Visa?

Yes. L-1 status may be extended within the United States by by filing a new I-129 Form.

Speak to an Immigration Team Member for More about the L Visa

To speak with an immigration rep, simply fill out our Immigration Case Evaluation Form.