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Practice Areas · L-1

L-1Corporate expansion into the United States

The L-1 facilitates the transfer of executives, managers and specialized-knowledge professionals to the U.S. operations of international companies.

L-1A · ExecutivesL-1B · Specialized knowledgePath to EB-1C
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Overview

What the L-1 visa is

The L-1 supports the strategic expansion of multinational companies in the United States through the transfer of key personnel between parent, branch, subsidiary or affiliate.

A non-immigrant visa for international corporate mobility. It is divided into L-1A (executives and managers) and L-1B (professionals with specialized knowledge of proprietary products, processes or know-how).

Eligibility

Requirements

  • Qualifying relationship between the foreign and U.S. entities (parent, branch, subsidiary or affiliate).
  • At least one year of prior employment with the foreign company within the last three years.
  • Executive, managerial or specialized-knowledge role.
  • Active U.S. company or a formally structured new office.
Benefits

Key benefits

  • Legal framework fit for international expansion of the corporate group.
  • Spouse and unmarried children under 21 are included.
  • Spouse may apply for work authorization in the United States.
  • Ability to open a U.S. new office (new office L-1).
  • Natural path to EB-1C (executive Green Card).

Talk to our team about L-1.

Assess with our attorneys whether L-1 is the most suitable strategy for your professional and family trajectory.

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Process

How we build an L-1 case

  1. 01

    Analysis of the corporate structure and relationship between entities.

  2. 02

    Business, functional and governance dossier.

  3. 03

    Documentation of the role abroad and the projected role in the U.S.

  4. 04

    Filing of the L petition with USCIS.

  5. 05

    Consular processing or change of status.

“Immigration is a strategic decision. Every trajectory requires an individualized analysis and a legal structure built around the client's objectives.”

André Linhares, Esq.Founding Attorney · Linhares Law
Frequently Asked Questions

Clarifications on L-1.

Yes. The new office L-1 supports formal opening of the U.S. operation with an initial one-year term, extendable upon consolidation of the business.

L-1A is for executives and managers; L-1B is for professionals with specialized knowledge of proprietary products, processes or know-how.

L-1A may reach up to seven years total; L-1B up to five. Both begin with shorter initial terms subject to renewals.

Yes. The L-1A naturally aligns with EB-1C, the permanent residence category for multinational executives.

Parent, branch, subsidiary or affiliate relationship, with qualifying ownership and common governance.

Yes. The L-1 spouse may apply for independent work authorization, without an employer sponsor of their own.

Not for the new office model, but the business plan must show concrete commercial feasibility within the first twelve months.

Yes, through new individual petitions. Each professional is assessed on their role abroad and projected role in the U.S.

Yes, provided they are duly incorporated, operating abroad and have a valid corporate relationship with the U.S. entity.

The L-1 renewal may be denied. Institutional planning contemplates operational milestones and metrics that support continuity of the visa.
Related Areas

Other immigration strategies.

EB-2 NIW

Green Card through the National Interest Waiver

For highly qualified professionals whose work advances the interests of the United States. The EB-2 NIW allows the applicant to petition for a Green Card without an employer sponsor or a job offer, offering a strategic path for researchers, physicians, engineers, entrepreneurs, executives and other specialists with a distinguished record.

EB-1

Green Card for professionals of international standing

One of the most distinguished employment-based immigrant categories, reserved for individuals who have achieved meaningful recognition in their fields.

E-2

Investment and business operation in the United States

The E-2 visa is available to investors from treaty countries, allowing them to direct and develop a U.S. business through a substantial investment.

Schedule a strategic consultation.

Start an institutional conversation with our attorneys and assess whether L-1 is the right strategy for your objectives.

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