Green card

Nonimmigrant visa

Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability

Intracompany Transferee Specialized Knowledge

Physicians, Engineers, Business analysts, IT professionals, Scientists, Professors and teachers, Physical therapists, Lawyers, Pharmacists

Specialized knowledge employees

• You must hold an advanced degree (master's or higher), possess a bachelor's degree plus five years of progressive work experience, or demonstrate exceptional ability in your field by showing at least 3 of 6 requirements, such as maintaining membership in professional associations and earning recognition for your contributions to your industry from peers or professional organizations.

• A job offer and labor certification (PERM) are required, proving that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position.

• The U.S. position must require specialized knowledge (expertise that is distinct, advanced, and critical to the employer's operations).

• The U.S. sponsor must belong to a multinational group with a corporate presence in the U.S. and at least one other country.

• You must have been employed abroad as a manager, executive, or specialized knowledge worker by an entity of the multinational group for at least one year within the three years immediately preceding the visa application.

• The U.S. company must submit a detailed business plan, secure a physical location, and provide evidence of financial capability to support operations.

• Provides complete flexibility to work, live, and study in the U.S.

• Straightforward process with clear requirements.

• Highly flexible, applicable to almost any job that requires an advanced degree or aligns with the exceptional ability criteria.

• Enables international companies to establish a new U.S. office and transfer employees with specialized technical or proprietary knowledge.

• Does not require a prior track record of business operations in the U.S.

• Supports global business expansion by providing a pathway to the U.S. market.

• Facilitates a smooth transition to permanent residency.

• Focuses on the employee's role within the company rather than their overall career accomplishments.

• The labor certification process (PERM) is lengthy and time-consuming.

• Applicants are tied to the employer sponsoring the petition for most of the application process.

• Slower processing times compared to other categories, particularly for applicants from certain countries.

• Offers fewer green card pathways compared to the L-1A.

• Requires at least 1 year of prior employment within the same corporate group, making it unsuitable for new hires.

• The initial visa is limited to one year and requires renewal with evidence of business progress.

• Maximum renewals are capped at 5 years.

• Requires extensive documentation, including a detailed business plan, proof of funding, and evidence of a physical location.

• Employment is limited to the same corporate group, with no options to switch employers.

Required

Required

Permanent residency

1 year (initial visa)

Every 10 years

2-year increments¹

Three stages, totaling about 36-48 months¹

2-6 months

15 business days²

15 business days

Yes

Yes

¹Applicants from India, China, or Mexico may experience longer wait times.

²Available for only one stage of the process, with minimal impact on the overall processing time.

¹Up to a total of 5 years in L-1B status.