L-1B visa
L-1B visa: transfer to the US with specialized company knowledge
L-1B lets a company move you to a related US office because you know its products or processes in a way others do not. It lasts up to 5 years.
Last checked October 2026 · Sources
- Time abroad
- 1 continuous year in last 3
- First stay
- 3 years (1 for a new office)
- Longest total stay
- 5 years
- Legal fee
- Quoted on request
Quick answer
What is the L-1B visa?
L-1B is a work visa for employees with specialized knowledge of their company, moving to a related US office. You need one continuous year with the company group abroad in the last three years. The first stay is up to 3 years, or 1 year for a new office. The total limit is 5 years.
- Specialized knowledge means special or advanced knowledge of this company, not just general skill.
- Extensions come in steps of up to 2 years.
- Your spouse in L-2S status can work.
- There is no matching L-1B green card. Employer sponsorship through PERM is a common route.
The key test
What counts as specialized knowledge?
The rule: special knowledge of the company’s product, service, research, equipment, techniques, management or other interests and how they apply in international markets, or an advanced level of knowledge of its processes and procedures (8 CFR 214.2(l)(1)(ii)(D)).
| Example of evidence | Why it can help |
|---|---|
| You built or maintain an in-house system or tool | Shows knowledge tied to this company, not the open market |
| Internal training you received or gave | Shows how long it takes to learn what you know |
| Roles only a few staff can do | Shows the knowledge is uncommon inside the company |
| Patents, process documents or client projects you led | Shows how the knowledge is applied |
| A clear US job description | Shows the US role needs that same knowledge |
Practical guidance, not a legal checklist. A partner-firm attorney decides what evidence fits your case.
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A qualifying relationship
The US and foreign companies are a parent, branch, subsidiary or affiliate, and both keep doing business for your whole stay.
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One continuous year abroad
You worked full time for the group abroad for one year within the three years before filing. Brief US trips do not break that year but do not count toward it.
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A specialized knowledge job in the US
You will work for the same employer or a related company in a role that uses your specialized knowledge.
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No labor-for-hire placements
If you will mostly work at an unrelated company’s site, that company must not mainly control and supervise you. The placement cannot be labor for hire. It must be tied to a product or service that needs knowledge specific to your employer (8 U.S.C. 1184(c)(2)(F)).
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New office rules
If the US office has done business for under a year, show secured office space and the money to pay you and start operating. The first approval is up to 1 year.
The process
How an L-1B case goes
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Attorney review
A partner-firm attorney checks the company link, your year abroad and how your knowledge differs from others in your field.
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The employer files Form I-129
The US company files with USCIS. Under a blanket L, only specialized knowledge professionals qualify. Others need an individual petition.
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USCIS decides
15 business days with premiumWith premium processing, USCIS acts within 15 business days. That can be an approval, a denial or a request for evidence.
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Visa and entry
Outside the US, you get the visa at a US consulate. Family members apply for L-2.
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Extend, then plan ahead
Extensions come up to 2 years at a time. Start green card planning early, since 5 years goes fast.
What it costs
L-1B fees as of October 2026
USCIS fees from Form G-1055, edition 10/01/26. The employer usually pays.
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-129 (L) | $1,385 | $695 for small employers and nonprofits. |
| Asylum Program Fee | $600 | $300 for small employers. $0 for nonprofits. |
| Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee | $500 | For a first L approval, a new employer, or a blanket L worker moving to a different entity. |
| Pub. L. 114-113 fee (9-11 Biometric Fee) | $4,500 | Only for employers with 50 or more US workers where more than half are in H-1B or L-1 status. Petitions filed on or before Sept. 30, 2027. |
| Premium processing (optional) | $2,965 | USCIS acts within 15 business days. |
| Our legal fee | Quoted on request | Flat fee, set before you sign. Handled by partner-firm attorneys. |
Source: USCIS Form G-1055. State Department visa fees are separate. Check regular times at USCIS processing times.
Green card
From L-1B to a green card
L-1B has no matching green card category. The usual route is employer sponsorship through PERM labor certification, then Form I-140. L-1 allows dual intent: seeking a green card does not by itself block an L-1 extension (8 CFR 214.2(l)(16)).
Some people later move into a manager role and fit EB-1C, or have a record strong enough for EB-2 NIW or EB-1A. A partner-firm attorney maps which fits your timeline.
FAQ
Questions people ask
Up to 5 years in total. The first stay is up to 3 years, or 1 year for a new office, then extensions of up to 2 years each.
You must live outside the US for one year before you can get a new L or H status. Time in H status counts toward the limit (8 CFR 214.2(l)(12)).
If you are promoted into a manager or executive role, the employer files an amended, new or extended petition. To reach the 7-year limit, you must hold the manager or executive job for at least 6 months (8 CFR 214.2(l)(15)(ii)).
The specialized knowledge test is fact-heavy. The case needs to show how your knowledge differs from what others in your field know.
Yes. USCIS treats spouses in valid L-2S status as allowed to work because of that status. This rule covers spouses, not children.
Often through employer sponsorship with PERM labor certification. Other routes may fit, depending on your role and record.
Five years goes fast
Talk to a partner-firm attorney about the transfer and the green card plan at the same time. Green Card Guide is not a law firm, and no one can promise approval.
Sources · checked October 2026
- USCIS: L-1B Intracompany Transferee Specialized Knowledge (updated 08/31/2026)
- eCFR: 8 CFR 214.2(l) Intracompany transferees
- 8 U.S.C. 1184(c)(2)(D) to (F) (Cornell LII)
- USCIS Form G-1055 Fee Schedule, edition 10/01/26 (PDF)
- USCIS: How Do I Request Premium Processing? (updated 03/23/2026)
This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; a partner-firm attorney confirms what applies to you before anything is filed.
