L-1A
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.
Pros
Enables international companies to transfer key managerial or executive personnel to the U.S.
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.
Maximum renewals are capped at 7 years.
New companies are granted only a one-year initial visa, which must then be renewed.
Employment is limited to the same corporate group, with no options to switch employers.
Sponsorship
Required
Validity period
1-3 years
Renewable
2-year increments1
Without premium processing
1-3 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
Nonimmigrant visa
Description
L-1A
Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager
Profiles that typically qualify
L-1A
Corporate executives, High-level managers, Business owners
Requirements
L-1A
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.
Pros
L-1A
Enables international companies to transfer key managerial or executive personnel to the U.S.
Facilitates a smooth transition to permanent residency.
Cons
L-1A
Requires at least 1 year of prior employment within the same corporate group, making it unsuitable for new hires.
Maximum renewals are capped at 7 years.
New companies are granted only a one-year initial visa, which must then be renewed.
Employment is limited to the same corporate group, with no options to switch employers.
Sponsorship
L-1A
Required
Validity period
L-1A
1-3 years
Renewable
L-1A
2-year increments1
Without premium processing
L-1A
1-3 months
With premium processing
L-1A
15 business days
Can spouse work
L-1A
Yes
Disclaimers
L-1A
1Up to a maximum of 7 years in L-1A status.