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L-1A Visa: Intracompany Transferee – Executive or Manager

The L-1A visa provides a valuable opportunity for U.S. companies to transfer executives or managers from their affiliated offices abroad. It also allows foreign companies to send key personnel to the United States to establish or expand a U.S.-based office. Whether launching new operations or growing an existing presence, the L-1A visa serves as an ideal pathway for international businesses to strengthen their footprint in the U.S. market.

Who Qualifies?

For the Employer:

  • Must have a qualifying relationship with the foreign entity (parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate).
  • Must be doing business in the U.S. and at least one other country for the duration of the employee’s stay.

Note: “Doing business” means ongoing provision of goods or services—not just maintaining an office.

For the Employee:

  • Must have worked for the qualifying foreign organization for at least one continuous year within the past three years.
  • Must be entering the U.S. to work in an executive or managerial capacity.

Executive vs. Managerial Capacity

  • Executive: Directs major components of the company with minimal oversight.
  • Manager: Supervises professional staff or manages essential functions at a senior level.

Establishing a New Office (Additional Requirements)

Foreign employers sending a manager or executive to open a new U.S. office must demonstrate:

  • Secured physical premises for the new office.
  • The employee meets the experience requirements.
  • The U.S. operation will support an executive or managerial role within one year.

Duration of Stay

  • Initial Stay: Up to 1 year for new offices; up to 3 years for existing U.S. operations.
  • Extensions: In 2-year increments, up to a maximum of 7 years.

Dependents (L-2 Visa)

  • Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may apply for L-2 status.
  • L-2 spouses are eligible for work authorization in the U.S.

How We Can Help

Whether you’re transferring talent to a U.S. branch or launching a new U.S. operation, we can guide you through every step of the L-1A process. We help startups and entrepreneurs navigate the L-1A process—from planning your U.S. expansion to preparing your petition and ensuring compliance.

Contact us to explore your options or determine your eligibility.