Transfer to the U.S. With Your Current Company — L-1 Visa
The L-1 is a U.S. work visa for managers, executives, and specialized knowledge employees being transferred from an overseas office to a U.S. branch, affiliate, or subsidiary.
What Is the L-1 Visa?
The L-1 is a U.S. non-immigrant work visa designed for intracompany transferees — professionals moving from a role at a foreign company to a related U.S. entity.
There are two types:
L-1A — For managers and executives. Valid for up to 7 years and can lead directly to an EB-1C green card.
L-1B — For employees with specialized knowledge of the company's products, services, or procedures. Valid for up to 5 years.
If your company has a U.S. presence — or is ready to establish one — the L-1 is often the fastest way to get you on the ground in America.
Why the L-1?
No annual cap
Not subject to H-1B lottery or country quotas
Fast processing
Premium Processing available — decision in 15 business days
Dual intent allowed
You can pursue a green card while on L-1 status
L-1A leads to green card
L-1A managers and executives can transition to EB-1
Covers your family
Spouse receives L-2 status with full work authorization
New office option
Can be used to open a brand new U.S. office for your company
Could You Qualify?
L-1 eligibility depends on your role, your company's structure, and the relationship between your overseas and U.S. entities. Book a free call and our team will assess your situation and tell you exactly where you stand.
L-1A vs L-1B — Which Applies to You?
L-1A
L-1B
* Not sure which applies to you? Our team will assess your role and advise on the right category.
How Novoscope Handles Your Case
Free Eligibility Assessment
We review your role, company structure, and the relationship between your overseas and U.S. entities to confirm L-1 eligibility.
Company Documentation
We work with your employer to prepare the corporate evidence USCIS requires — org charts, financials, business plans, and qualifying relationship proof.
Petition Preparation
We draft your I-129 petition with a strong supporting brief — clearly establishing your qualifying role and the legitimacy of the transfer.
Filing & Tracking
We submit to USCIS and manage the entire follow-up process — including any RFE responses — until your approval is secured.
What to Expect — Timeline
Navigating Common Queries
Answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding global mobility and visa processes.
You must have worked for the overseas entity for at least 1 continuous year within the past 3 years. Book a call and we'll confirm your situation qualifies.
Yes. The L-1 can be used to establish a brand new U.S. presence for your company. There are additional requirements involved — our team handles all of it.
Yes. L-1A holders can transition directly to an EB-1C green card — one of the most straightforward paths from a work visa to permanent residency. We advise on timing and strategy.
Yes. L-2 spouses are automatically eligible for work authorization in the U.S. — one of the most generous dependent benefits of any U.S. work visa.
We can advise on how to establish one. Setting up a qualifying U.S. entity is part of what we help with for new office L-1 cases.
Ready to Transfer to the U.S. With Your Company?
Book a free consultation and we'll tell you exactly what your company needs to do — and how quickly we can get you there.
Book a Consultation