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L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Visa

Introduction to L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Visa

The L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Visa is a non-immigrant visa for executives or managers of international companies with operations in the U.S. and abroad.

Once granted, you and your family can live in the U.S. for up to seven years (with extensions).

Benefits of an L-1A Visa

No Visa Quota: There is currently no limit on the number of L-1A visas that can be issued each year.
Visa for Spouse and Children: Your spouse and your children can also live, work and study in the U.S. through family dependent L-2 visas.
Quickly move to the U.S.: L-1A and L-2 visas can be obtained in as little as 2-3 months (with Premium Processing) allowing you and your family to quickly relocate to the United States.
Some L-1A visa executives and managers may qualify for an EB-1C Multinational Executive of Manager immigrant visa after securing an L-1A visa.

L-1A Visa Application General Requirements

There must be a “qualifying” relationship with a foreign business and a U.S. based business, as a subsidiary or affiliated business.
The applicant must have worked as an executive or manager for the foreign business for at least one year during the past three years.
The applicant is going to the U.S. business to take the roll of an executive or manager.
For a new U.S. business, it must demonstrate that the business will support the position of the executive or manager within one year of the approval of the L-1A petition.

How to apply for the L-1A Visa

Our office collects all the information that we need from you at the start of the case and we will complete all the forms that are required throughout the process so you do not have to.
Our office completes and files a Form I-129 Petition on behalf of the U.S. business (the “Petitioner”) with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) with supporting documentation.
Once USCIS receives the Form I-129 Petition, a receipt number is issued. Processing times vary greatly depending on which USCIS service center processes. A Petitioner may choose to pay extra for Premium Processing, which is a 15 business day review and adjudication.
After USCIS approves the Form I-129 Petition, the file will be sent to the designated U.S. Consulate.
Our office contacts the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to begin the application process and completes additional documentation including a DS-160 Online Visa Application.
Our office will be notified that the U.S. Embassy or Consulate has received the file and an interview date has been scheduled.
Our office will prepare a final checklist of documentation as well as hold interview preparation sessions before the scheduled appointment.
On the day of the interview, we will be available to answer calls or questions or any issues arise.
Provided that there are no outstanding issues, the consular officer will approve the L-1A and L-2 visas.
The L-1A and L-2 visas will arrive in 7-10 business days.
If the U.S. business has been operating for less than 1 year, the visas will be valid for only 1 year. Subsequent visas may be valid for 1, 2 or up to 3 years, depending on the nationality of the applicant.

Why Choose Our Firm for your L-1A petition and application process?

Our firm has over 30 years of combined experience in representing applicants for business and investment visas such as the L-1A visas. We offer a full-service, hands-on, comprehensive package designed to see the entire process through from beginning to end. We are immigration attorneys who have hands-on experience in working directly with the U.S. Embassies and Consulates in Ho Chi Minh City, Manila and across Asia. We provide our clients with a unique and personalized approach unmatched by other immigration attorneys.

Frequently asked questions

1. What are the main benefits of the L-1A visa?

The L-1A visa allows executives or managers of multinational companies to legally work in the United States without being subject to an annual visa cap. Spouses and children can accompany the applicant on L-2 visas, giving them the right to live, work, and study in the U.S. In some cases, L-1A visa holders may also qualify to apply for a green card through the EB-1C category.

2. Who is eligible to apply for an L-1A visa?

To qualify, the applicant must have worked in an executive or managerial role for at least one continuous year within the past three years at a qualifying foreign entity. The U.S. and foreign companies must have a valid parent, subsidiary, or affiliate relationship, and the applicant must be coming to the U.S. to perform similar duties.

3. How long does L-1A visa processing take?

In general, L-1A visa processing takes several months. However, applicants can choose Premium Processing, which provides a decision within 15 business days. The overall process, including USCIS review, consular interview, and visa issuance, typically takes around 2–3 months.

4. How long is the L-1A visa valid after approval?

If the U.S. company has been established for less than one year, the initial visa is usually valid for one year. For renewals, depending on nationality and company circumstances, the visa may be extended for 1, 2, or up to 3 years at a time. The maximum total stay allowed under the L-1A visa is seven years.

5. Why choose our firm for your L-1A visa application?

With over 30 years of experience handling L-1A and other business and investment-related visas, we are highly familiar with USCIS procedures and U.S. consular operations across Asia. We provide comprehensive document preparation, interview guidance, and case follow-up to ensure a smooth and efficient application process.