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L-1A — Intracompany Transferee - Manager/Executive
VisasUnited StatesL-1A — Intracompany Transferee - Manager/Executive
United StatesUnited States•North America
Open

L-1A — Intracompany Transferee - Manager/Executive

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

3 weeks – 6 months

Varies by processing route

Estimated Cost

USD $6,474–$10,429

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information Browse L-1 Jobs
United States flag

Living in United States

Cost of Living
Baseline
Avg Salary$52,000
Quality of Life
185/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Managers or executives transferring from a qualifying foreign office to a U.S. office. Requires 1+ year with the company abroad within the last 3 years.

The L-1A is a US nonimmigrant visa that allows multinational employers to transfer executives or managers from a qualifying foreign office to a US office. No annual cap applies. The applicant must have worked for the organization abroad for at least 1 of the 3 years immediately before the transfer.

Initial stay is up to 3 years (1 year for new offices), extendable in 2-year increments to a 7-year maximum. Dual intent is permitted, giving holders a direct path to an EB-1C green card. Spouses receive L-2 status with full work authorization.

This visa is ideal for senior managers and executives already employed by a multinational company who need to relocate to a US office without giving up a path to permanent residence.

United States

Curious about life in the United States?

Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.

Explore Guide

Cost Breakdown

I-129 base filing fee (Standard)USD $1,385
I-129 base filing fee (Small Employer/Nonprofit)USD $695
Fraud prevention and detection feeUSD $500
Asylum Program Fee (Standard)USD $600
Asylum Program Fee (Small)USD $300
DS-160 MRV (Visa Application) FeeUSD $205
Visa Integrity FeeUSD $250
I-94 Arrival/Departure FeeUSD $24
Premium processing (Form I-907)USD $2,965
optional
Public Law 114-113 FeeUSD $4,500
TotalUSD $6,474–$10,429

Processing Time

Standard3–6 months
Premium3 weeks

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant3 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

EB-1 — Employment First Preference - Priority Worker
United States flagUnited States

EB-1 — Employment First Preference - Priority Worker

ValidityIndefinite
Processing1–3 years
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must work for a qualifying organization (parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of U.S. employer)

Must have been employed abroad by the foreign affiliate for at least 1 of the last 3 years

Must be coming to the U.S. in a managerial or executive capacity

Employer must be doing business in the U.S. and at least one other country

KEY CRITERIA

Experience

1+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker)

Evidence of qualifying relationship between U.S. and foreign employer

Evidence of managerial or executive role abroad and intended role in the U.S.

Proof of continuous employment abroad for at least 1 of the last 3 years

Organizational charts for both foreign and U.S. companies

Business registration documents for both entities

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • No annual cap or lottery — available year-round
  • Strong pathway to EB-1C green card without labor certification (PERM)
  • Dual intent permitted — can pursue permanent residence while on L-1A
  • Longer maximum stay (7 years) compared to L-1B (5 years)
  • Spouse and children may accompany on L-2 status; spouse qualifying for work authorization
  • Can be used to establish a new U.S. office

Worth Knowing

  • Role must qualify as managerial or executive — USCIS scrutinizes first-line supervisors closely
  • New office petitions limited to 1-year initial stay with stricter renewal requirements
  • No portability to other employers (unlike H-1B)
  • Blanket L petition available for large multinational companies
  • Petition filed by employer, not employee
  • J-1 two-year rule if applicable

Application Process

1

Employer files Form I-129 with USCIS on behalf of the employee

2

Pay required filing fees (and optional premium processing fee)

3

If abroad, employee applies for L-1A visa at U.S. consulate after I-129 approval

4

Enter U.S. and begin employment

Application Forms

I-129
Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
Fill online

Verified Claims (38)

Last verified Jul 2, 2026
Application Steps
Employer files Form I-129 with USCIS on behalf of the employee; Pay required filing fees (and option…
uscis.gov
Blockers
J-1 two-year rule if applicable
uscis.gov
Can Convert To
us-eb-1
uscis.gov
Categories
work
uscis.gov
Code
us-l-1a
uscis.gov
Criminal Policy
Serious criminal history may result in visa denial; background check required at consular stage
uscis.gov
Dependent Visa
L-2 (spouse gets work authorization)
uscis.gov
Dual Intent
true
uscis.gov
Official Information Browse L-1 Jobs
United States flag

Living in United States

Cost of Living
Baseline
Avg Salary$52,000
Quality of Life
185/200
Full Country Guide

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