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L-1B Visa

The L-1B visa allows a U.S. employer to temporarily transfer an employee with specialized knowledge relating to the organization’s interests from an affiliated foreign office to a U.S. office

What Is L-1B Visa​?

The L-1B visa is a nonimmigrant classification specifically designed to allow a U.S. employer to temporarily transfer a professional employee who possesses specialized knowledge related to the organization’s interests from one of its affiliated foreign offices to one of its offices in the United States.

Employer and Employee Requirements for L-1B Visa

Both the U.S. employer and the employee must meet specific criteria.

Employeer Eligibility

Employee Eligibility

What Does "Specialized Knowledge" Mean?

Specialized knowledge is key to the L-1B visa and is defined as either :

This knowledge must be beyond general skills common to the industry and specific to the petitioning organization. It does not need to be proprietary or narrowly held within the company.

L-1B Visa Validity: Duration and Limits

L-1B Visa to Green Card

The L-1B visa is temporary and does not automatically lead to a Green Card. L-1B holders usually pursue permanent residency through employer sponsorship via:

L-1B Visa vs. L-1A Visa

L-1B Visa Application Process

Step 1: File Form I-129

The U.S. employer files Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with USCIS, including fees.

Step 2: Submit Documentation

Provide evidence of the qualifying relationship, doing business requirement, employee’s prior foreign employment, and a detailed description of the specialized knowledge and U.S. duties. New offices need proof of premises and financial ability.

Step 3: USCIS Review

USCIS adjudicates the petition, potentially issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE). Approval results in Form I-797.

  • Consular Processing: If abroad, the employee typically applies for an L-1B visa stamp at a U.S. consulate/embassy (DS-160, fee, interview).
  • Change of Status: Employees already lawfully in the U.S. can request a change to L-1A status via the Form I-129. 

Step 4: Admission & Form I-94

Upon admission, the employee receives Form I-94, confirming L-1B status and authorized stay.

Questions? You’re covered.

Initially granted for up to three years (one year for new offices), with extensions possible up to a maximum total stay of five years.

Not directly. The L-1B visa is temporary. Holders can pursue a green card through separate immigrant visa processes, commonly EB-2 or EB-3 (often requiring PERM labor certification), or potentially EB-1C if they transition to a managerial/executive role (L-1A).

Yes, spouses of L-1B holders in L-2S status are authorized to work incident to their status. They do not need a separate EAD to begin working, though they can apply for one.

The employee reaches the maximum allowable stay in L-1B status. They must depart the U.S. and generally need to reside and be physically present outside the U.S. for one continuous year before becoming eligible for a new L-1 or H petition. Alternatively, if eligible, they might have already transitioned to L-1A status (max 7 years) or obtained permanent residency through a green card process before reaching the 5-year limit.

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