L1 Intracompany Transferee
USCIS processing: 2–4 months standard. Premium processing: 15 business days. Visa stamping after approval: 2–6 weeks.
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- info@leamss.com
What is the L1 Intracompany Transferee (L1) Visa?
The L1 visa allows multinational companies to transfer employees from their India office to a US office, affiliate, subsidiary, or parent company. It is available in two categories: L1A (managers and executives) and L1B (employees with specialised knowledge). The L1A offers a direct pathway to an EB-1C Green Card.
Who is Eligible?
1
Currently employed with a multinational company's India entity
2
Worked for the company for at least 1 continuous year in the last 3 years
3
L1A: Transferring in a managerial or executive capacity
4
L1B: Transferring with specialised or advanced knowledge of the company's systems
5
The US and India entities must have a qualifying relationship
Step-by-Step Application Process
1
Check Eligibility
The employee must have worked for the overseas company for at least 1 continuous year within the last 3 years.
2
Confirm Company Relationship
The U.S. company and foreign company must have a qualifying relationship such as parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.
3
Determine L-1 Visa Type
Choose L-1A for managers/executives or L-1B for employees with specialized knowledge.
4
Gather Required Documents
Collect passport, employment proof, company documents, salary records, and transfer details.
5
Employer Files Form I-129
The U.S. employer submits Form I-129 with L supplement to USCIS for visa approval.
6
Receive USCIS Approval Notice
After approval, the employer receives Form I-797 approval notice from USCIS.
7
Complete DS-160 Form
The employee fills out the online DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application form.
8
Pay Visa Fees
Pay the MRV visa fee and any additional fraud prevention fees if applicable.
9
Schedule Visa Interview
Book an appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country.
10
Attend Biometrics Appointment
Visit the Visa Application Center for fingerprints and photograph collection.
11
Attend Visa Interview
Answer questions about your job role, company transfer, and work responsibilities in the U.S.
12
Receive Visa Decision
If approved, the passport is returned with the L-1 visa stamp.
13
Travel to the United States
Enter the U.S. and begin working for the sponsoring employer under L-1 status.
14
Apply for L-2 Dependents (Optional)
Spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for L-2 dependent visas.
Required Documents
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Passport (6+ months validity)
-
DS-160 confirmation page
-
I-797 USCIS Approval Notice
-
Company employment letters from India and US entities
-
Evidence of qualifying relationship between India and US company
-
Organisational chart showing managerial role (L1A)
-
Evidence of specialised knowledge (L1B)
-
Educational and professional qualifications
-
Last 3 years' pay slips
Note : Additional documents may be requested based on profile assessment
Processing Time
2–6 weeks
Visa Application Fees
| Applicant Type | Fees |
|---|---|
USCIS Petition Fee |
$730 (employer) |
Anti-Fraud Fee |
$500 (employer, first filing) |
Premium Processing (optional) |
$2,805 |
MRV Visa Fee |
$205 (applicant) |
Note : Fees are subject to change as per government updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the L1A visa valid?
Initial period up to 3 years. Extendable in 2-year increments to a maximum of 7 years for L1A and 5 years for L1B.
