What Is the L-1 Visa? L-1A vs L-1B Explained (Requirements & Process)

In this episode of ImmiGreat, Richard Wilner, Board Certified by the State Bar of California as a Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law and Founding Shareholder of Wilner & O’Reilly, explains the L-1A and L-1B visa categories for multinational companies transferring employees to the United States.This video provides a clear overview of how the L-1 visa works for executives, managers, and employees with specialized knowledge who are being transferred from a foreign company to a U.S. branch, subsidiary, or affiliate. Unlike treaty-based visas such as the E-1 and E-2, the L-1 visa does not require treaty nationality and is available to qualifying companies and workers from most countries.You’ll learn:The difference between L-1A and L-1BThe one-year overseas employment requirementHow company-to-company transfers work under the L-1 visaRequirements for transferring to a U.S. branch, subsidiary, or affiliateWhat qualifies as executive, managerial, and specialized knowledge rolesL-1 new office visas vs established office transfersHow long L-1A and L-1B visas are valid (7-year vs 5-year maximums)How to apply from inside the U.S. vs through a U.S. consulate abroadL-2 dependent visas for spouses and childrenWork authorization for spouses on L-2 statusSchool options for children on L-2 visasHow L-1 visas can later lead to green card optionsThis episode is ideal for business owners, international companies expanding to the U.S., executives, managers, specialized knowledge workers, and families exploring U.S. work visa options.This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and fact-specific.Visit www.wilneroreilly.com for more information!