What Is an L-1 Visa? L-1A vs L-1B Explained
The L-1 is a work visa for employees transferred to a US office of their own company. L-1A covers managers and executives for up to seven years. L-1B covers workers with specialized company knowledge for up to five years.
Every job is from an employer that filed H1Bs in 2025. See which ones fit your resume.
Who qualifies
The US employer must be related to your employer abroad, as a parent, branch, subsidiary or affiliate. It must do business in the US and at least one other country.
You must generally have worked for that company abroad for one continuous year within the three years before you come. Then you must be coming to a qualifying role in the US.
L-1A vs L-1B
- L-1A: managers and executives. Maximum stay of seven years. A direct path to a green card through EB-1C, without PERM.
- L-1B: specialized knowledge of the company's products, processes or procedures. Maximum stay of five years. The green card usually needs PERM.
- Both: first approvals are generally up to three years, or one year for a new office. Extensions come in steps of up to two years.
| Employer | H-1B filings | Transfers | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.Com Services LLC | 14,047 | 2,382 | $155k |
| Cognizant Technology Solutions US CorpGC frozen | 10,209 | 872 | $110k |
| Ernst & Young U.S. LLP | 9,808 | 269 | $143k |
| Google LLC | 7,899 | 844 | $186k |
| Microsoft CorporationGC frozen | 7,840 | 879 | $173k |
| Tata Consultancy Services LimitedGC frozen | 7,287 | 353 | $86k |
Advantages
- No lottery and no annual cap.
- No degree requirement, unlike H-1B.
- Dual intent, so you can pursue a green card while on L-1.
- L-2 spouses are work authorized by status. An I-94 marked L-2S is proof.
- Large employers with blanket L approval can move people faster.
Disadvantages
- You can only work for the company that brought you, or a related company.
- There is no portability. A new, unrelated employer cannot simply take over your L-1.
- The five- or seven-year limit is hard. AC21 extensions past the limit apply to H-1B, not L-1.
- L-1B petitions face heavy scrutiny of what counts as specialized knowledge.
Why changing employers is hard
An unrelated company cannot file an L-1 for you. It would need you to have a year with its own foreign affiliate.
So most people who want to leave switch to another status. The usual route is H-1B, which normally needs a lottery win. Our L-1 to H-1B guide covers that. Time in L-1 counts toward the six-year H-1B limit.
Citizens of Canada, Mexico, Australia, Singapore and Chile may qualify for TN, E-3 or H-1B1 instead.
Is the L-1 at risk in 2026?
As of October 21, 2026, we found no published rule changing who qualifies for L-1. The $100,000 H-1B proclamation does not cover L-1.
Law firms report tougher review of L-1B cases and new office petitions. Expect detailed evidence requests. This can change, so check back.
Green cards and layoffs
L-1A managers often qualify for EB-1C. L-1B workers usually go through PERM. See L-1 to green card.
If your job ends, you may get up to 60 days to act. Read laid off on L-1, and compare L-1B vs H-1B if you are weighing an offer.
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm your situation with an immigration attorney before you act.
Questions
What is the difference between L-1A and L-1B?
L-1A is for managers and executives, with a seven-year limit. L-1B is for specialized knowledge workers, with a five-year limit.
Can I change employers on an L-1?
Not freely. An L-1 only covers your company group, so moving to an unrelated employer usually means switching to H-1B or another status.
Can my L-2 spouse work?
Yes. L-2 spouses are work authorized incident to status, and an I-94 marked L-2S is acceptable proof.
What happens when my L-1B reaches five years?
You cannot extend L-1B further. Most people switch to H-1B, if they have time left, or leave for a year.
Does the $100,000 H-1B fee apply to L-1?
No. The proclamation covers H-1B petitions only.
Should I accept a US transfer on an L-1B?
It can be a good start, but it ties you to one company and has a five-year cap. Ask whether the employer will file PERM early.
Sources
- USCIS: L-1A Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager
- USCIS: L-1B Intracompany Transferee Specialized Knowledge
- 8 CFR 214.2 (H and L limits), eCFR
- USCIS: Options for Nonimmigrant Workers Following Termination of Employment
- USCIS: Employment-Based Immigration, First Preference EB-1
- USCIS: Presidential Proclamation on Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers
Guides in this topic
How to Get a Green Card From an L-1 Visa
Laid Off on L-1: Grace Period and Your Options
L-1B vs H-1B: Which Visa Is Better for You?
