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L-1 Intracompany Transfer Checklist

L-1A (manager/executive) and L-1B (specialized knowledge)

Overall Progress

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~$1,385

I-129 Fee

+ premium optional

7 years

L-1A Duration

3 + 2 + 2 extensions

5 years

L-1B Duration

3 + 2 extensions

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No Lottery

no annual cap

Phase 1: Confirm Eligibility

Must have worked for the related company abroad for at least 1 year

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You have been employed by the parent, affiliate, or subsidiary company abroad for at least 1 continuous year within the last 3 years

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The US and foreign entities have a qualifying relationship: parent-subsidiary, affiliate, or joint venture

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L-1A: You are being transferred to a managerial or executive role in the US

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Must manage people, functions, or an entire department — not just 'titled' manager

L-1B: You possess specialized knowledge of the company's products, services, or procedures

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Must be significantly above what a standard employee knows — true 'specialized' knowledge

The US company is currently doing business or is in the process of commencing business

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Phase 2: Individual vs. Blanket Petition

Large companies may have a blanket L approval for faster processing

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Check with your HR/legal team if the company has an approved Blanket L petition

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Blanket L: Apply for L-1 visa at embassy directly using Form I-129S — faster for large multinationals

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Individual petition: Employer files Form I-129 with USCIS for you specifically

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New office L-1: If you are establishing a brand-new US office, additional business plan evidence is required

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New office L-1A approved for 1 year initially (not 3)

Phase 3: Gather Documents

Work with employer's attorney to compile petition package

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Organizational charts for both foreign and US entities showing your position

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Detailed job description for both your foreign and US roles

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Proof of 1-year qualifying employment: offer letters, pay stubs, tax records, employment verification

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Corporate documents proving qualifying relationship: stock certificates, annual reports, subsidiary agreements

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Company financial statements (US and foreign entity)

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Passport (biographical page)

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Educational degrees and credentials

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L-1B only: Evidence of specialized knowledge — training materials, patents, proprietary systems documentation

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Phase 4: File Form I-129 Petition

Employer files with USCIS — no lottery, no quota

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Employer/attorney files Form I-129 with L Classification Supplement

Form

Pay base I-129 filing fee: $730

Fee

Pay anti-fraud fee: $500 (all L-1 petitions)

Fee

Optional: Pay $2,805 Premium Processing for 15 business day decision

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Standard processing: 3–5 months

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Receive I-797 approval notice — initial period: 3 years (1 year for new office)

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Phase 5: L-1 Visa Stamp (if entering from abroad)

Required only for entry — not needed if changing status inside the US

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Complete DS-160 online application

Form
DS-160

Pay MRV visa fee: $205

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Schedule and attend embassy interview

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Bring I-797 approval, passport, DS-160, I-129 petition copy, and relationship documents

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Receive L-1 visa stamp in passport

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Phase 6: Extension & Path to Green Card

L-1A holders have a strong path to EB-1C green card

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File I-129 extension before I-797 expiry (L-1A: extend up to 7 years total; L-1B: up to 5 years)

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L-1A holders: Start EB-1C green card process (no PERM required!)

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EB-1C is typically current for most countries — much faster than EB-2/EB-3

Green Card Checklist

Once you hit the L-1 maximum, you must work outside the US for 1 year before getting another L-1

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