This article includes an overview of the L-1B visa and is intended for sponsored employees and employers to gain a better understanding of case processing. The L visa category allows multinational companies to transfer employees from a foreign office to a U.S. entity that has a qualifying relationship (parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch).
Envoy Global users can work with the legal team at Corporate Immigration Partners (CIP) in the Communication Center to learn more about this visa and open a case.
This is a high level overview intended for employers and sponsored employees. Circumstances may vary from case to case and questions about cases opened in your Envoy Global account should be directed to the legal team at CIP in the Communication Center.
The L-1B visa applies to employees with specialized knowledge of the company. To qualify:
- The employee must have worked abroad for 1 continuous year within the past 3 years.
- The knowledge must be advanced or unique and not easily transferable or commonly held within the company or industry. Examples include:
- Company systems or technologies
- Internal methodologies or processes
- Product-specific expertise critical to U.S. operation
USCIS scrutiny for L-1B cases is often higher - clear documentation of how the knowledge is specialized versus standard is essential. Evidence may include training records, internal documentation, comparison with industry norms. See other supporting documents typically required.
Validity Period
Validity Period/Max Length: 3-year initial stay; 2-year extension; 5-years max stay
Grace Period: 60 days from last date of employment
Dependents
The dependent status associated with the L-1B is known as L-2S for spouses and L-2 for children. A dependent family member is considered a spouse and any children under the age of 21. If you have family members who require L status to join you in the United States, the legal team at CIP will assist with opening the necessary case(s) once the primary L-1B case is opened.
L-2 spouses are employment authorized incident to status (L-2S) meaning no separate EAD is required as long as the I-94 reflects L-2S designation. They can work for any employer, be self employed, and/or work full-time or part-time.
USCIS Processing Estimate: 4-6 months for standard processing; 15 business days for premium processing.
Supporting Documents
- Color copy of Passport
- Resume/CV
- Diploma(s)
- Official Transcripts/Marksheets
- Pay Statements
- (If applicable) Evidence of Current/Prior Immigration Status, which can include a combination of the following documents: Visa Stamp, Form I-94, Form I-20, and EAD cards, endorsed I-129S, and/or I-797 Approval Notice.
Case Processing
Need additional support?
For employers, contact your Account Management team. For sponsored employees, start a live chat with the Envoy Global Customer Experience team from your Envoy Global account.