L-1A Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager

Passport Rank

Investment Amount

150,000 USD

Processing Time

Up to 6 months

About the United States

The United States of America is a country located on the North American continent. It is one of the world’s largest economies, known for its cultural and geographical diversity. It boasts a high quality of life, with citizens and residents enjoying good employment opportunities, education, and advanced healthcare services

Language: English
Currency: US Dollar
Total Area: 9,826,675 square kilometers
Capital: Washington, D.C.

About L-1A Visa

The L-1A visa is a US nonimmigrant visa that allows a company to transfer a manager or executive from a branch outside the United States to the United States. This visa is used for one of the following purposes:

Transferring a manager or executive to an existing branch of the company in the United States
Establishing a new branch of the company in the United States
Launch a subsidiary or wholly-owned company in the United States

To be eligible for an L-1A visa, a person must have held an actual managerial or executive position in the company outside the United States for at least one year during the last three years. The new position in the United States must also be a real managerial or executive position, not merely a title without real management authority.

US immigration authorities carefully review the nature of the position, the applicant’s responsibilities, and the reporting line within the company to ensure that the new role in the United States includes clear management or leadership responsibilities.

Benefits of the L-1A Visa

International Business Expansion

This program provides an opportunity to expand your business in one of the world’s largest economies.

Possibility of adding eligible family members

A spouse and children under the age of 21 can obtain an accompanying L-2 visa. Children enrolled on this visa are allowed to attend school in the United States, and upon enrolling in university, they can convert their visa to a student visa. The spouse is also allowed to work in the United States without the need to obtain an additional work permit.

Flexibility in Investment

There is no fixed minimum, but an initial investment of $100,000–$150,000 is recommended, along with proof that the parent company is able to finance operations (with assets between $200,000–$500,000, depending on the sector).

Benefits of Virtual Offices Upon Establishment

A virtual office or coworking space is permitted at the start of the new branch, with a physical office required later to request an extension, depending on the type of company and its business.

Flexible Visa Validity

Granted for three years to transfer to an existing office or one year when establishing a new office, with the possibility of extension. Renewal is possible every two years.

Easy Transition from L-1A to Permanent Residence (Green Card)

Visa holders can apply for an EB-1C visa for permanent residence after at least one year of employment with a US company without the need for a Labor Market Registration Certificate (PERM), which expedites the residency process.

L-1A Visa Qualifications and Requirements

First: Company Requirements

To be eligible to apply, a company must meet the following requirements:

Have another company outside the United States (parent, branch, subsidiary, or partner).
Practically conduct its business in the United States, in two ways:
- If it is a new company: It must have a physical headquarters and a clear business plan to hire a manager or executive within one year.
- If it is an existing company: It must have been active for at least one year.

A clear legal relationship with the foreign company, including:
- Parent or subsidiary: One company owns more than 50% of the other, or owns a smaller percentage but has clear control over it.
- Branch: The same company but in a different location, and must be registered as a foreign branch operating in the United States.
- Affiliate: The two companies are owned and operated by the same parent company or the same group of people with similar proportions.

Second: Requirements for the Applicant Manager or Official

To be eligible to transfer to the US, an employee must:

Have worked for the parent company or a branch outside the US for one full, continuous year within the last three years.
Be relocating to the US to work as a manager or executive.
Submit the required documents to prove experience, such as a salary statement, official contracts, etc.

Cost of the L-1A Visa

There is no minimum investment requirement for this type of visa, as it depends on the sector. However, it is recommended that the company invest between 100,000 USD and 150,000 USD, which may increase depending on the nature and type of sector. This amount is used to establish the new branch, such as:

Office rental
Equipment set-up
Initial salaries

In addition, the parent company must demonstrate financial strength by having assets or revenues ranging from 200,000 USD to 500,000 USD. The purpose of this proof is to ensure the company is able to finance expansion in the US and cover operating expenses and salaries.

Note: Additional legal and office fees apply.

Process and steps of the L-1A Visa

The application is submitted in the US by completing and submitting Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Employee.
If the application is approved by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Administration, the employee proceeds to the next step.
The required documents are submitted in full.
The employee applies for an L-1A visa at the US consulate in their country.
Residence is renewed every 2 years, for a maximum of 7 years.

Our Services

Transfer your file to the specialized legal team to accurately assess your case and meet visa requirements.
Assist you in preparing all required documents and guide you to submit a complete application.
Prepare a customized business plan to open a new branch for your company in the United States, in compliance with visa requirements.

FAQ’s

What is an L-1A visa?

The L-1A is a US visa designated for the transfer of a director or executive from a company outside the US to a branch or subsidiary within the US, whether existing or new.

Can an L-1A visa be used to obtain a green card?

No, the L-1A visa itself does not grant you permanent residency in the US or a green card, but it is considered a preliminary step. It can later be used to apply for a green card under the EB-1C category, provided the required conditions are met.

How long can you stay in the US under this visa?

The visa is initially granted for one year if you are establishing a new branch or for three years if the company is already established and can be extended for a maximum of seven years.