L-1A New Office
VS
Type
Nonimmigrant visa
Description
Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager
Profiles that typically qualify
Corporate executives, High-level managers, Business owners
Requirements
The U.S. job must be in an executive or managerial capacity.
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.
Pros
Enables international companies to establish a new U.S. office and transfer key managerial or executive personnel.
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.
Cons
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.
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.
Sponsorship
Required
Validity period
1 year (initial visa)
Renewable
2-year increments1
Without premium processing
2-6 months
With premium processing
15 business days
Can spouse work
Yes
Disclaimers
1Up to a maximum of 7 years in L-1A status.
Type
L-1A New Office
Nonimmigrant visa
Description
L-1A New Office
Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager
Profiles that typically qualify
L-1A New Office
Corporate executives, High-level managers, Business owners
Requirements
L-1A New Office
The U.S. job must be in an executive or managerial capacity.
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.
Pros
L-1A New Office
Enables international companies to establish a new U.S. office and transfer key managerial or executive personnel.
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.
Cons
L-1A New Office
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.
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.
Sponsorship
L-1A New Office
Required
Validity period
L-1A New Office
1 year (initial visa)
Renewable
L-1A New Office
2-year increments1
Without premium processing
L-1A New Office
2-6 months
With premium processing
L-1A New Office
15 business days
Can spouse work
L-1A New Office
Yes
Disclaimers
L-1A New Office
1Up to a maximum of 7 years in L-1A status.