L-1A Visa Attorney

The L-1A visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows multinational companies to transfer executives or managers from a foreign office to a U.S. office. It is specifically designed for individuals who have led operations, directed major initiatives, or managed key functions within an organization.


  • Temporary Visa - Up To 7 Years
  • Transfer to an Existing Business or Open a New Office
  • No PERM Process Required

L-1A Visa

Scale Your Business to the U.S.

Are you an executive or manager of a multinational company
looking to transfer to or expand in the United States? The L-1A visa is a
leading pathway for corporate mobility, with no labor certification
and no degree requirement.

We prepare L-1A petitions that demonstrate the strategic leadership
and qualifying corporate structure USCIS requires, for both
established offices and new U.S. startups.

Request your evaluation

Why L-1A

Key Advantages of the L‑1A Visa

Four features that make the L-1A one of the most strategic tools for multinational corporate mobility.

Executive & Managerial Authority

USCIS specifically defines
executive and managerial roles, giving multinational companies a clear framework to align leadership positions with visa requirements. This clarity strengthens approvals when the petitioner documents strategic oversight and decision-making authority.

The "New Office" Provision

Start a U.S. branch from scratch. The L-1A supports foreign entities navigating the first-year requirements for new U.S. startups, allowing a transferring executive or manager to establish operations before the entity is fully staffed.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

The L-1A is a “dual intent” visa with a direct and simplified path to the EB-1C multinational executive or manager green card, sharing the same qualifying relationship and role standards as the L-1A itself.

Family Benefits

Spouses of L-1 holders (L-2) are eligible for work authorization, making the relocation easier for
your top talent. Unmarried
children under 21 may also
accompany the primary visa holder.

How It Works

The L-1A Process

From your free evaluation to USCIS approval, here is what the process looks like.

1

Free Evaluation

We assess your role, company
structure, and entity relationship to confirm L-1A eligibility and advise on the strongest petition strategy.

2

Strategy & Evidence

We map your duties to USCIS
definitions, gather corporate
documents, and build the petition narrative, including business plan preparation for new offices.

3

USCIS Filing

We file Form I-129 with full
documentation. Premium processing is available for a decision within 15 business days.

4

Approval & Entry

Upon approval, you obtain your L-1A visa stamp (if abroad) or status change, and can begin your U.S. role. We advise on extension timing and EB-1C pathway planning.

USCIS Standards

L-1A Visa Requirements & Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an L-1A visa, applicants must satisfy the following general criteria. Meeting these requirements is essential to ensure a smooth petition and avoid Requests for Evidence (RFEs).

General L-1 Requirements

All L-1 applicants, both L-1A and L-1B, must have been employed outside the U.S. by a qualifying foreign company for at least one continuous year within the past three years, in a role that meets USCIS definitions.

Employment must be continuous and in a qualifying capacity, not a contractor or consultant role. USCIS evaluates actual duties, reporting structure, and discretion, not just titles.

  1. Employment with a Qualifying Foreign Company

    You must have been employed outside the U.S. by a qualifying foreign company for at least one continuous year within the past three years.

    Employment must be in a role that meets the executive or managerial definition, not a purely technical or operational position.

    Example: A senior operations manager at a foreign tech company who has led multiple teams for two years qualifies, while a short-term consultant or contractor role usually does not.

  1. Purpose of Entry: Executive or Manager

    You must be coming to the U.S. to serve in a role that is executive or managerial in nature, not a purely technical or operational role. USCIS evaluates your actual duties, reporting structure, and level of discretion, not just your title.
    • An executive directs the overall management of the organization or a major component, establishes goals and policies, and has wide latitude in decisions.
    • A manager supervises and controls the work of other employees, manages an essential function, and has authority over personnel decisions.
  1. Qualifying U.S. Employer

    The U.S. company petitioning for your visa must have a qualifying relationship with your foreign employer. Acceptable relationships include:
    • Parent company → the foreign company owns a U.S. subsidiary
    • Branch office → a division or office of the foreign company in the U.S.
    • Subsidiary → a U.S. company controlled (50% or more) by the foreign company a U.S. company controlled (50% or more) by the foreign company
    • Affiliate → a company under common control (25–50% ownership)

    Both the U.S. and foreign entities must be actively doing business.

    Example: A German manufacturing company opening a U.S. office can transfer its German operations manager, as long as the U.S. office has sufficient staff, operations, and financial stability.

  1. New Office Provision (if applicable)

    If the U.S. company has been doing business for less than one year, the L-1A is granted for an initial period of only one year. To qualify, the petitioner must show:
    • A physical premises secured in the U.S.
    • A detailed business plan with 5-year financial projections demonstrating viability
    • The foreign entity has been actively doing business and will support the U.S. expansion
    • The beneficiary will be employed in a qualifying executive or managerial role once the entity grows

    Note: New office petitions require particularly strong documentation. We prepare business plans and organizational charts that meet USCIS standards.

Flat fee:

$7,000–$9,000.

Your exact fee is confirmed after your free evaluation.
Higher tiers allow you to add a refile or refund protection, including a free refile and partial or full refund protection if your case is denied. USCIS filing fees are separate.

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