The L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa allows companies to transfer key employees from a foreign office to a related office in the United States. This visa is ideal for business owners, executives, managers, and employees with specialized knowledge who want to expand operations into the U.S. market.
At YA Law, we assist Canadian and international businesses in successfully applying for L-1 visas and establishing U.S. operations.
What is the L-1 Visa?
The L-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that enables a foreign company to transfer an employee to a U.S. entity that is a parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch of the same organization.
To qualify, the employee must have worked for the foreign company for at least one continuous year within the last three years.
Types of L-1 Visas
L-1A Visa (Managers and Executives)
The L-1A visa is designed for executives and managers transferring to the U.S. company.
- Ideal for business expansion to the U.S.
- Eligible for green card under EB-1C (no labor certification required)
L-1B Visa (Specialized Knowledge Employees)
The L-1B visa is for employees with specialized knowledge of the company’s operations, systems, or processes.
- Requires proof of unique expertise within the company
L-1 Visa Requirements
To qualify for an L-1 visa:
- There must be a qualifying relationship between the foreign and U.S. company
- The employee must have worked abroad for at least 1 continuous year in the past 3 years
- The employee must be coming to the U.S. as a manager, executive, or specialized knowledge worker
- The U.S. company must be actively doing business (or planning to for new offices)
New Office L-1 Visa
If you are opening a new office in the United States:
- Initial approval is typically for 1 year
- You must show a business plan, office lease, and ability to support operations
- Extensions require proof that the business is active and growing
This is a popular option for Canadian entrepreneurs expanding into the U.S.
Benefits of the L-1 Visa
- No minimum investment requirement (unlike E-2 visa)
- Dual intent (you can apply for a green card)
- Fast processing times
- Spouse can work in the U.S.
- Children can study in the U.S.
L-1 Visa to Green Card (EB-1C)
One of the biggest advantages of the L-1A visa is the pathway to permanent residence through the EB-1C category for multinational managers and executives.
- No PERM labor certification required
- Faster processing compared to other employment-based categories
***some restrictions may apply.
Family Members (L-2 Visa)
Spouses and children under 21 can accompany the L-1 visa holder.
- Spouse is eligible for work authorization
- Children can attend school in the U.S.
Why Choose YA Law?
YA Law is a U.S. immigration law firm based in Vancouver, serving clients across Canada and internationally.
We assist with:
- L-1 visa applications
- New office business setup strategies
- U.S. expansion planning
- Transition to green card (EB-1C)
Contact Us
If you are a business owner or employee looking to expand into the United States, contact YA Law today to discuss your L-1 visa options.