United States L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa for Canadians

Overview

For employees moving to a US office of the company they already work for. You must have worked for the related company outside the United States for one continuous year within the last three, and be coming as an executive or manager (L-1A) or in a specialized-knowledge role (L-1B). There is no H-1B-style registration or lottery and no degree requirement. Canadian citizens have a shortcut: the employer's Form I-129 petition can be presented to US Customs and Border Protection together with your application for admission, at a land-border port of entry or a preclearance station in Canada, and no visa is required. Filing with USCIS in advance remains an option. The employer pays the filing fees: US$1,385 for the petition (US$695 for small employers and nonprofits), a US$500 fraud prevention fee, and a US$600 asylum program fee (US$300 for small employers, nothing for nonprofits). L-1A status lasts up to seven years and L-1B up to five. Spouses in L-2 status may work, and L-1 lets you pursue a green card at the same time.

This page covers Canadians. For every nationality we track, see the United States L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa overview.

Requirements for Canadians

Processing time & costs

Typical processing takes 1–3 weeks after applying. There is no single government fee on record; see the official source for current fees. Difficulty: 3/5.

Documents you'll need

• Confirm one continuous year with the company outside the US
• Confirm the two companies are related
• Decide between L-1A and L-1B
• Ask whether the employer has an approved blanket L petition
• Employer prepares Form I-129 and the supporting evidence
• Employer arranges the filing fees
• Choose where to file: at the border or with USCIS
• Apply for admission with the petition
• Bring your spouse and children in L-2 status
• Check your I-94 and apply for a Social Security number
• Track your maximum stay and any green-card plan

The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the United States L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa take for Canadians?

Typical processing time is 1–3 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.

What does the L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa cost?

We do not have a single verified government fee on record for the L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa; the official source lists the current fees. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.

Do Canadians need a job offer for the L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa?

Yes. A job offer from an employer in United States is required before applying.

Can I bring my family on the L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa?

Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.

Other United States visas for Canadians

• TN Visa (USMCA Professional)
• H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
• E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
• F-1 Student Visa

United States visas for other nationalities

• 🇮🇳 Indians