L1 Visa Requirements: Step-by-Step Guide on the L1 Requirements

L1 Visa Requirements: Step-by-Step Guide on the L1 Requirements

The L1 visa allows certain foreign workers to transfer from a foreign company to a US branch office, parent, subsidiary, or affiliate company.

 

In this guide, I will discuss the L1 visa requirements.

 

If you have any questions about the L1 visa or if you are looking for a US immigration lawyer to help you file your L1 visa petition, contact me directly at contact@ashoorilaw.com. My team and I would be happy to help you.

 

Overview:

 

1. Introduction to the L1 Visa

 

2. Breakdown of 4 Main L1 Visa Requirements

 

3. Qualifying Relationship Between the Foreign Company and the US Company

 

4. Continuous Employment with the Foreign Company for 1 Year

 

5. Employment with the Foreign Company Must be in a Managerial, Executive, or Specialized Knowledge Capacity

 

6. The Employee’s Work for the US Company Must be in a Managerial, Executive, or Specialized Knowledge Capacity

 

7. Special Requirements for New Offices

 

8. Conclusion

 

1. Introduction to the L1 Visa

 

The L1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa which allows foreign companies to transfer a manager, executive, or person with specialized knowledge to a US company.

 

2. Breakdown of 4 Main L1 Visa Requirements

 

In order to get an L1 visa, there are 4 main requirements:

 

  • There must be a qualifying relationship between the foreign company and the US company.

 

  • The employee coming to work in the US must have been continuously employed full-time by the foreign company for at least 1 year within the last 3 years before filing the L1 petition.

 

  • The employment with the foreign company must have been in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacity.

 

  • The employee’s work for the US company must be in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacity.

 

3. Qualifying Relationship Between the Foreign Company and the US Company

 

The L1 visa is for foreign companies to transfer certain workers to a US company. In order to get an L1 visa, there must be a qualifying relationship between the foreign company and the US company.

 

There are 3 types of relationships that qualify:

 

  • Parent/Subsidiary

 

  • Branch Office

 

  • Affiliate

 

  • For the definitions of branch office, affiliate, and parent/subsidiary, see my guide on the L1 visa.

 

How Long Should the Qualifying Relationship Last?

 

  • A qualifying relationship between a foreign company and the US company must last for as long as the L1 beneficiary stays in the US.

 

  • If the US company has been doing business for longer than 1 year, the US company just needs to maintain a qualifying relationship with any foreign company. The relationship does not need to be with the L1 beneficiary’s foreign company. 

 

  • If the US company has been doing business for less than a year, it is considered a new business and special rules apply. The same foreign company that the L1 beneficiary worked for must continue to operate and must maintain a qualifying relationship with the US company for the duration of the L1 beneficiary’s stay in the US.

4. Continuous Employment with the Foreign Company for 1 Year

 

Another requirement for an L1 visa is that the L1 visa beneficiary must have been continuously employed by the foreign company, full-time, for at least 1 year within the last 3 years prior to filing the L1 petition.

 

5. Employment with the Foreign Company Must be in a Managerial, Executive, or Specialized Knowledge Capacity

 

  • Another requirement for an L1 visa is that the L1 visa beneficiary must have worked for their foreign employer as a manager, executive, or specialized knowledge worker. 

 

  • Check out my guide on the L1 visa to learn more about the specific L1 definitions for managers, executives, and specialized knowledge workers.

 

  • You can also email me and I’ll explain what each position involves.

 

6. The Employee’s Work for the US Company Must be in a Managerial, Executive, or Specialized Knowledge Capacity

 

  • Another requirement to get an L1 visa, is that the L1 visa beneficiary must be coming to the US to work for the US company as a manager, executive, or specialized knowledge worker. 

 

  • The same definitions for managerial, executive, and specialized knowledge capacity apply for this requirement as for the previous requirement.

 

 

Quick Pointers on Managers, Executives, and Specialized Knowledge Workers

 

  • If you plan to work in the US as a manager or executive, USCIS wants to see that you will primarily be working as a manager or executive. In order to prove this, you should show that other workers will be handling the day-to-day operations of the business and that you will be focusing on managerial and executive tasks.

 

  • If you plan to work in the US as a specialized knowledge worker, USCIS wants to see that your knowledge is not commonly held. You should provide evidence of: 1. how long it took for you to acquire your special knowledge; 2. the value your knowledge will bring to the US company; and 3. how your knowledge is not commonly held.

 

7. Special Requirements for New Offices

 

  • New offices are businesses that have been operating for less than 1 year. 

 

  • If the US business that you plan to work for is a new business, there are special rules that apply.

 

If you are coming to the new office to work as a manager or executive:

 

  • You must show that there is a qualifying relationship between the US company and the foreign company that you worked for.

 

  • You must show that the US company has sufficient physical premises to operate.

 

  • You must show that your employment with the foreign company was in a managerial or executive capacity.

 

  • The US company must also support a managerial or executive position within 1 year of your L1 petition approval.

 

 

If you are coming to the new office to work as a specialized knowledge worker:

 

  • You must show that there is a qualifying relationship between the US company and the foreign company that you worked for.

 

  • There must be sufficient physical premises to operate the new office.

 

  • The new office must have the financial ability to pay for the services of the L1 visa beneficiary.

 

  • The foreign company that you worked for must also continue to operate and maintain a qualifying relationship with the US company.

 

Please Note: If you are an owner or major stockholder of the company, you should include evidence that you will be in the US temporarily and that you will be transferred back to your foreign company following the completion of your work for the US company.

 

8. Conclusion

 

The L1 visa is a great option for foreign workers to transfer to a related US company.

 

There are 4 main L1 visa requirements:

 

  • There must be a qualifying relationship between the foreign company and the US company.

 

  • The L1 visa beneficiary must have been continuously employed by the foreign company, full-time, for at least 1 year within the last 3 years prior to filing the L1 petition.

 

  • The L1 visa beneficiary’s employment with the foreign company must be as a manager, executive, or specialized knowledge worker.

 

  • The L1 visa beneficiary’s work for the US company must be as a manager, executive, or specialized knowledge worker.

 

If you have any questions regarding the L1 Visa, or if you need help filing your L1 visa petition, contact me directly via email at contact@ashoorilaw.com. I’d be happy to help you.

 

Ashoori Law is a full-service immigration law firm that helps working professionals get visas to the United States.

 

Resources:

 

 

 

  • Business Immigration: Law and Practice, 2nd Ed. Chapter 11 L1 Visas and Nonimmigrant Status

 

Share this post...

Posted in , ,
Search
REQUEST A CONSULTATION
Excellent
Ashoori Law
Based on 941 reviews
Ruel
A great team whose core values embody professionalism and integrity. Would highly recommend them. They also network with other immigration firms and bring you news on the latest updates.
D
“Outstanding service and exceptionally smooth experience with Ashoori law group. From the very beginning, they showed professionalism, kept clear communication, and dedication time to my case. Every step of the process was handled with care and efficiency, They made my E2 visa process stress-free. It was well managed and level of supported was phenomenal. I am truly impressed with the quality of their work and the level of attention they provide. I highly recommend Ashoori law group to anyone seeking reliable, knowledgeable, and trustworthy legal services.”
Dzidula P.
It was tough, but the Ashoori Law firm made it easier than anything. It was within 4 months, and the case was closed. Officers at Ashoori Law, including John Walton, Charlotte, Matthew Larsen, and especially Attorney RYAN MORGAN KNIGHT. Ryan was exceptionally efficient, knowledgeable, and dedicated to his clients. I was impressed by his promptness and expertise. I actually had concerns about my case and was worried when ICE was deployed to our area, so I requested Attorney Knight to accompany me to the USCIS office. He kindly accommodated my request. John Walton was always busy, but he would surely sort one out.
If you're looking for reliable and skilled immigration attorneys, I highly recommend Ashoori Law, particularly Attorney Ryan Morgan Knight.
NB: I still want to talk to Attorney Michael Ashoori himself.
Saman I.
I worked with Ashoori Law firm to get my wife's Green Card processing. My experience has been VERY POSITIVE and I REALLY felt good about the way I was treated. Attorney Matthew Larsen closely checked my paper work and responded to my questions in professionally and timely. I would RECOMMEND Ashoori Law firm for any one looking for immigration guidance.
Ankur B.
Outstanding service from Ashoori Law! They successfully guided me through my E2 process. Their comprehensive approach, which included crafting a strong, custom business plan, was invaluable. The team is knowledgeable, responsive, and made a complex journey surprisingly smooth. My visa was approved without any issues. Highly recommend!
Muhammad L.
I had a great experience working with *Ashoori Law Firm*.
The team was professional, knowledgeable, and highly responsive throughout the entire process. They explained everything clearly, answered all my questions, and guided me step by step with confidence and care.

What stood out most was their attention to detail and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. I truly felt that my case was in good hands. I highly recommend Ashori Law Firm to anyone looking for reliable and experienced legal representation.
C Tim W.
My wife, legally, immigrated from China. My overall impression (I have a lot of experiences with lawyers) is, how can someone work so hard for what seems to me, a very fair price?
Mir Motors L.
A professional group of informed and dedicated lawyers and their colleagues who helped and guided us with everything, from establishing our company, opening business bank account, to getting us E2 status. Thank you.
Asad R.
-Testimonial for Attorney Michael Ashoori-
Working with Attorney Michael Ashoori and his team has been a defining experience that reaffirmed my belief in the power of expertise, integrity, and precision within the U.S. immigration process. Their work embodies not only legal mastery but also a profound respect for time, structure, and the human journey that accompanies every petition.
From the outset, timely efficiency was the hallmark of their practice. Every correspondence, submission, and milestone followed a disciplined rhythm that inspired confidence and eliminated uncertainty. Their responsiveness and attention to every procedural nuance made the experience not merely efficient but deeply reassuring.
Equally remarkable was the confidence and composure with which Mr. Ashoori approached my case. His guidance carried an unmistakable authority rooted in experience — a calm assurance that every step had purpose and precision. That confidence became contagious, transforming complexity into trust and replacing anxiety with clarity.
His profound understanding of legal intricacies and his ability to navigate the most complex statutory frameworks were truly exceptional. He did not view regulations as obstacles but as coordinates — guiding the process with foresight, accuracy, and impeccable compliance. Each decision was grounded in legal intelligence and strategic judgment.
Above all, it was Mr. Ashoori’s far-sightedness that set him apart. He could anticipate the legal and procedural landscape long before it unfolded — shaping my case not as a technical filing, but as a compelling narrative of merit, purpose, and credibility.
In my entire episode of milestones, one conclusion stands clear:
You must place your full trust in your attorney. They are far ahead of what you can imagine — guided by insight, experience, and an unshakable understanding of compliance.
In my case, I was guided with unwavering precision at every turn. Once you entrust your case to capable legal counsel, you begin to witness the true power of expertise in motion. Every moment invested in selecting an attorney of integrity and reputation is worth its weight in certainty and peace of mind. The complexities of this process demand discipline, foresight, and impeccable timing — and that is precisely where seasoned experience becomes invaluable.
I undertook the due diligence, completed the legwork, and made the decision to be represented by Attorney Michael Ashoori — a decision that defined the outcome of my journey. My sincere advice to anyone beginning this path is simple: step forward with trust, and allow yourself to experience the same clarity, confidence, and success that I did.
Michael Ashoori and his network of attorneys represent excellence. They are meticulously selected, profoundly competent, and collectively uphold the highest standards of professionalism and compassion. If you are embarking on your immigration journey, save yourself the time, anxiety, and uncertainty — and make the right decision from the very beginning.
You, too, will one day write a testimonial like this — from the other side of success.
With my deepest gratitude and utmost respect,

Dr. Asad Rana
EB-1A petition approved Day14 – Premium processing – No RFE
Gurjit singh K.
I recently had the pleasure of working with Ashoori law Firm to navigate the complex process of obtaining an E2 visa, and I couldn't be more grateful for their expertise and support. From the initial consultation to the final approval, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly responsive. They took the time to understand my specific situation, provided clear guidance, and handled all the paperwork with precision. Their dedication and commitment to their clients are truly commendable. If you're looking for a reliable and trustworthy immigration firm, look no further than Ashoori law firm. Five stars isn't enough – I'd give them ten stars if I could!"
REQUEST A CONSULTATION
Michael Ashoori Headshot

Michael Ashoori, Esq.

President of Ashoori Law

I’m a U.S. immigration lawyer and I help families, professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs get visas, green cards, and citizenship to the United States.

Since starting my law firm, I’ve helped thousands of people from all over the world with their immigration needs. I’m very passionate, hard-working, and committed to my clients.

Got a question? Send me an email.

REQUEST A CONSULTATION