L-1 Intracompany Transfer

L-1A is for executives and managers and allows up to 7 years of U.S. stay. L-1B is for specialized-knowledge employees and allows up to 5 years. L-1A also feeds the fast EB-1C executive green card path (no PERM required). L-1B does not have an equivalent shortcut.

Yes — the 'new office L-1' is for executives/managers coming to set up a U.S. office. The initial L-1 is granted for only 1 year, requiring a detailed business plan, lease, and viability evidence. After 1 year, the company must demonstrate the U.S. office is operating and supporting an executive/managerial role to extend.

Companies with at least 3 qualifying U.S. and foreign branches and certain operational size (sales of $25M, U.S. workforce of 1,000, or 10+ L-1 approvals in past year) can file a blanket L petition. Approved beneficiaries then apply for L-1 visas at consulates without individual USCIS petitions — much faster.

Yes. As of 2022, L-2 spouses receive automatic work authorization upon admission to the U.S. — no separate EAD application required (USCIS amended the I-94 designation to L-2S which is itself evidence of employment authorization).

Yes. L-1A executives and managers often qualify for the EB-1C Multinational Manager/Executive green card, which has no PERM requirement and no labor market test. This is the fastest employer-sponsored green card path for senior executives transferred to the U.S.

USCIS defines specialized knowledge as either (1) special knowledge of the petitioning organization's product, service, research, equipment, techniques, management, or other interests and its application in international markets; or (2) advanced level of knowledge or expertise in the organization's processes and procedures. USCIS scrutinizes L-1B heavily; detailed evidence is critical.