🇺🇸 United States L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa

What is the United States L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa?

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.

United States L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa requirements, cost, and processing time

Amounts are approximate US dollar equivalents of figures set in local currency, verified against official sources for Canadians.

United States L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa cost and processing time by nationality

Each row links to the full guide for that nationality, with the document checklist.

Documents needed for the United States L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa

• 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

This list is the checklist for Canadians. The full ordered checklist, with timing, dependencies, and personalized due dates, is part of the plan.

Frequently asked questions

What are the requirements for the United States L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa?

The requirements we have on record are: a job offer from an employer in United States. Amounts are USD equivalents verified for Canadians; the official source lists the full document set.

What is the United States L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa processing time?

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

Do I need a job offer for the United States L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa?

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

Can family members join on the United States L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa?

Yes. Accompanying family members are allowed, with additional documentation.

Does the United States L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa lead to permanent residency?

Yes. It offers a path to permanent residency after the qualifying period.

Is the L-1 the same as the United States L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa?

Yes. L-1, L1 visa, L-1A, L-1B, and intracompany transfer visa are other names people use for the United States L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa.

United States L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa guides by nationality

• 🇨🇦 For Canadians

Other United States visas

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