L-1 FAQ：

 

1. What is an L-1 visa?

• The L-1 visa is a non-immigrant work visa that allows multinational companies to transfer employees from their foreign offices to a U.S. office in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge capacity.

 

2. What are the eligibility requirements for an L-1 visa?

• To qualify, the applicant must have worked for the sponsoring employer outside the U.S. for at least one continuous year within the past three years in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge role.

• The U.S. company must have a qualifying relationship (parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate) with the foreign company.

 

3. How long can I stay in the U.S. on an L-1 visa?

• The initial stay period is:

  • Up to 1 year for a new U.S. office

  • Up to 3 years for an existing U.S. office

• Extensions may be granted in two-year increments with a maximum stay of:

  • 7 years for L-1A (executives & managers)

  • 5 years for L-1B (specialized knowledge employees)

 

4. Can I bring my family with me on an L-1 visa?

• Yes, L-1 visa holders can bring their spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old to the U.S. under an L-2 visa.

• L-2 spouses can apply for work authorization (EAD) to legally work in the U.S.

• L-2 children can study in the U.S. but are not automatically authorized to work.

 

5. Can I change employers while on an L-1 visa?

• No, the L-1 visa is employer-specific. It only allows employment with the petitioning employer.

• If you change employers, the new company must file a new L-1 petition to continue working in the U.S.

 

6. Is there a cap on the number of L-1 visas issued each year?

• No, unlike the H-1B visa, there is no annual cap on the number of L-1 visas issued.

• However, the L-1 program is closely monitored by USCIS for fraud and misuse, especially regarding new office L-1s.

 

7. Can I apply for a green card while on an L-1 visa?

• Yes, L-1A visa holders can apply for a green card (EB-1C - Multinational Manager/Executive) without going through the PERM labor certification process.

• L-1B visa holders can also apply for a green card, but they typically must go through PERM labor certification, which adds extra steps.

 

8. Do I need to maintain ties to my home country while on an L-1 visa?

• Unlike other non-immigrant visas (e.g., B-1/B-2), L-1 visa holders are not required to show strong ties to their home country.

• However, L-1 visa holders must intend to leave the U.S. if their visa expires or if their employment ends.

 

9. Can I travel outside the U.S. while on an L-1 visa?

• Yes, L-1 visa holders can travel internationally and re-enter the U.S. as long as:

  • Their L-1 visa stamp is still valid.

  • They maintain their L-1 status (still working for the petitioning employer).

• If your visa expires while you are abroad, you must apply for a new L-1 visa before returning.

 

10. What happens if my L-1 visa expires while I'm in the U.S.?

• If your L-1 status expires, you may:

  • Apply for an extension (if you haven't reached the max stay limit).

  • Change to another visa status (e.g., H-1B, O-1, or family-based visa).

  • Leave the U.S. and apply for a new L-1 visa from a U.S. consulate abroad.

• Overstaying your visa can have serious immigration consequences, including future visa denials.