How to Get a Green Card From an L-1 Visa
L-1A managers and executives can often get a green card through EB-1C, which skips PERM. L-1B workers usually need PERM, then an EB-2 or EB-3 petition. Start early, because your L-1 cannot be extended past five or seven years while you wait.
Every job is from an employer that filed H1Bs in 2025. See which ones fit your resume.
L-1A: the EB-1C route
EB-1C is for multinational managers and executives. USCIS lists these requirements.
- You worked outside the US for the company group for at least one year in the three years before the petition, or before your L-1 entry if you are already here.
- The US employer has a qualifying relationship with that foreign employer.
- The US employer has been doing business for at least one year.
- You will work in the US as a manager or executive.
- No labor certification is needed. The employer files Form I-140 directly.
L-1B: the PERM route
Most L-1B workers follow the standard employer path: PERM labor certification, then an EB-2 or EB-3 I-140, then the I-485 or consular processing.
PERM alone has been slow. As of the Labor Department's October 5, 2026 update, analyst review averaged 336 days. See EB-2 vs EB-3 to understand which category fits, and our green card process guide for each step.
| 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 |
How long it takes
It depends on your category and country of birth. Here are October 2026 Final Action Dates from the State Department Visa Bulletin.
- EB-1 India: February 1, 2023.
- EB-2 India: November 1, 2013.
- EB-3 India: January 1, 2014.
- EB-2 rest of world: January 1, 2025.
The L-1 time limit problem
H-1B workers can extend past six years once PERM or an I-140 is far enough along. L-1 has no such rule. L-1A stops at seven years and L-1B at five.
If your priority date will not be current by then, you have three common options. File the I-485 if your date is current. Switch to H-1B, if you have H-1B time left, and use green card steps to extend it. Or leave the US for a year.
Our L-1 to H-1B guide and six-year limit guide explain the switch and extensions.
Without your employer
You can self-petition through EB-1A for extraordinary ability or EB-2 National Interest Waiver. Both need strong evidence. You still need valid status while you wait.
If you already have an approved I-140 and move jobs, you usually keep your priority date. See priority date retention.
2026 cautions
On May 21, 2026, USCIS issued a memo that treats green card applications from inside the US as discretionary. Applicants may need to show strong positive factors. How it is applied is still unclear.
As of October 2026, the Labor Department froze PERM for eight employers, including Microsoft, Cognizant, Infosys and TCS. That blocks the L-1B route there, though EB-1C does not use PERM. See green card sponsors for employers still filing.
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm your situation with an immigration attorney before you act.
Questions
Can L-1 holders get a green card?
Yes. L-1 is a dual intent status, so you can pursue a green card while on it.
Is L-1A or L-1B better for a green card?
L-1A is usually better, because managers and executives can use EB-1C, which skips PERM and often has shorter waits.
How long does L-1 to green card take for Indians?
Years in most cases. In October 2026, EB-1 India's Final Action Date was February 1, 2023, and EB-2 India's was November 1, 2013.
Can I get a green card from L-1 without my employer?
Yes, through EB-1A or EB-2 NIW self-petitions, if you meet the high evidence bar.
Can I extend L-1 while my green card is pending?
Not past the five- or seven-year maximum. Many people switch to H-1B to use its extension rules.
Sources
- USCIS: Employment-Based Immigration, First Preference EB-1
- USCIS: Employment-Based Immigration, Second Preference EB-2
- USCIS: Employment-Based Immigration, Third Preference EB-3
- USCIS: L-1A Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager
- USCIS: L-1B Intracompany Transferee Specialized Knowledge
- State Department: Visa Bulletin for October 2026
- Labor Department FLAG: Processing times
- USCIS Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199: Adjustment of Status and Discretion (May 21, 2026)
