L-1B Visa: Intracompany Transferee with Specialized Knowledge
The L-1B Visa is a non-immigrant work visa that allows multinational companies to transfer employees with specialized knowledge from a foreign office to a U.S. branch, subsidiary, or affiliate. This visa is designed for professionals with proprietary knowledge of the company’s products, services, processes, or technologies essential to the organization’s U.S. operations.
The L-1B Visa is initially granted for up to three years, with extensions available for up to five years.
Why Apply for an L-1B Visa?
- Work in the U.S: Allows employees with specialized knowledge to contribute to a U.S. company’s growth.
- No Degree Requirement: Unlike the H-1B Visa, the L-1B does not require a specific educational qualification.
- Pathway to Green Card (EB-2 or EB-3): L-1B visa holders can apply for a U.S. Green Card through employer sponsorship.
- Multiple Extensions: Can be extended up to five years based on the employer’s business needs.
- Family Benefits: Spouses and children (under 21) can accompany the visa holder under L-2 status, and spouses can apply for work authorization.
Eligibility Criteria for an L-1B Visa
To qualify for an L-1B Visa, applicants must:
- Be Employed by a Multinational Company: The applicant must have worked for a qualifying foreign company for at least one continuous year in the past three years.
- Have Specialized Knowledge: Must possess advanced, proprietary, or technical knowledge of the company’s products, services, research, systems, or procedures.
- Be Transferring to a U.S. Branch, Subsidiary, or Affiliate: The U.S. company must have a legitimate business presence and require the applicant’s specialized expertise.
- Have a Genuine Employer-Employee Relationship: The company must demonstrate the need for the applicant’s specialized skills in the U.S. operations.
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How to Apply for an O-1A Visa
Employer or Agent Files Form I-129 with USCIS
The U.S. employer submits Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) along with supporting documents proving the qualifying business relationship and the applicant’s specialized knowledge.
Wait for USCIS Approval
If the USCIS approves the petition, it will issue a Form I-797 (Approval Notice).
Apply for an L-1B Visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate
The applicant must complete Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) and schedule a visa interview.
Required Documents for the Interview:
- Valid passport
- Form I-797 approval notice
- Job offer letter from the U.S. company
- Proof of employment with the foreign company
- Evidence of specialized knowledge (letters from employers, project details, certifications, etc.)
Enter the U.S. & Begin Work
If approved, the applicant receives an L-1B visa stamp and can enter the U.S. to assume their specialized knowledge role.