L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa
Guide
A practical overview for employees being transferred to a U.S. office of a company they already work for.
Written by Diane Rish, Immigration Lawyer and Deputy Director, Talent Mobility Fund and the International Student Resource
Last updated: July, 2026
What is an L-1?
The L-1 is an "intracompany transfer" visa. It lets an employee who has worked overseas for an international organization move to a related U.S. office of that same organization.
A programmer at a foreign company, for example, can transfer to that company's U.S. office to do the same job. There are two types: L-1A for managers and executives, and L-1B for employees with specialized company knowledge.
Who qualifies for the L-1
The core requirement is your work history with the organization. At the time you apply, you must have worked outside the U.S. for at least one continuous year out of the previous three years for the international organization, in a managerial, executive, or specialized-knowledge capacity.
This three-year window matters if you are already in the U.S. in another status. If you entered as an F-1 student (or any other category) but met the one-year-abroad requirement when you arrived, you generally have up to two years to move into L-1 status. After two years and one day in another category, you would no longer satisfy the "one year out of three" test and would become ineligible.
L-1A vs. L-1B
The L-1A is for managers and executives. The L-1B is for employees with specialized knowledge of the company's products, services, research, equipment, techniques, or management. The distinction also affects how long you can stay (see below).
What “specialized knowledge" means
Specialized knowledge is more than expertise. It is special knowledge you hold about the organization and how the organization uses that knowledge — including how it applies to international markets. It can also be an advanced level of knowledge of the company's processes and procedures, beyond what is commonly known in the industry. It does not have to be proprietary. Importantly, the position itself must require that knowledge, in addition to your possessing it. (See the FAQ "What is specialized knowledge for an L-1 visa?" for a fuller explanation.)
How to apply
If you are changing to L-1 status from within the U.S., your employer files Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, together with an L Supplement.
How long you can stay
The initial L-1 period is usually three years. After that, a manager or executive (L-1A) may extend for up to four additional years, and a specialized-knowledge worker (L-1B) may extend for up to two additional years.