Who the L-1 is for
#- Employees transferring within the same multinational company
- Applicants sponsored by a U.S. employer
- Workers with qualifying roles and documentation
L-1A vs L-1B requirements
#L-1A is for managers or executives. L-1B is for specialized knowledge staff. Both require a qualifying company relationship and one year of prior employment abroad.
Requirements checklist (high level)
#- USCIS petition filed by a U.S. employer
- Evidence of qualifying company relationship
- Completed DS-160 for consular processing (if applying abroad)
- Consular interview and required documents
Documents and evidence
#Petition documents are prepared by the employer. Applicants should keep DS-160 confirmation and supporting documents for the interview.
U.S. documents checklistReview Form I-129 guidanceStep-by-step overview
#- Employer files the L-1 petition with USCIS.
- If applying abroad, complete the DS-160 and schedule a consular interview.
- Attend the interview with required documentation.
- Travel after visa issuance and follow entry guidance.
Fees (verify before you pay)
#L-1 fees include USCIS petition filing fees and Department of State visa application fees for consular processing. Always confirm the latest fee schedules.
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • USCIS filing fees
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • Visa fee schedule (Department of State)
Processing times
#Processing time depends on USCIS petition timelines and consular appointment availability. Use official tools to check current ranges.
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • USCIS processing times tool
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • Visa appointment wait times (Department of State)
Common mistakes that cause delays
#- Submitting incomplete evidence of qualifying company relationship
- Inconsistent dates or details between petition and DS-160
- Waiting too long to schedule an interview
Next steps
#Use Find My Visa to build a sequenced plan with official sources and deadlines.
FAQs
Is the L-1 visa employer-sponsored?
Yes. A U.S. employer must file a petition with USCIS for L-1 transfers.
Where can I check USCIS processing times?
Use the official USCIS processing times tool for petition timelines.
Do I need a consular interview?
Applicants outside the U.S. typically complete the DS-160 and attend a consular interview after USCIS approval.
What is the difference between L-1A and L-1B?
L-1A is for managers and executives, while L-1B is for employees with specialized knowledge.
Do I need one year of prior employment abroad?
Yes. Most L-1 applicants must have worked abroad for the qualifying company for at least one continuous year within the last three years.
Sources
Last reviewed: 2026-01-29
- L-1 intracompany transferees (USCIS)
- L-1B specialized knowledge workers (USCIS)
- Working in the United States (USCIS)
- Visa interview information (Department of State)
- Visa denials (Department of State)
- DS-160 online application (Department of State)
- Visa fee schedule (Department of State)
- USCIS filing fees
- USCIS processing times tool
- Visa appointment wait times (Department of State)
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
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