L-1A vs L-1B: Managers, Executives and Specialized Knowledge
Immigration » L-1 visas » L-1A vs L-1B
The L-1 lets a company transfer certain employees from a foreign office to a related U.S. office.
L-1A
- For managers and executives.
- Up to seven years total.
- A path to an EB-1C multinational manager green card.
L-1B
- For employees with specialized knowledge of the company’s products or processes.
- Up to five years total.
Common requirements
- Qualifying relationship between the foreign and U.S. entities.
- One continuous year of employment abroad in the last three years.
- Doing business in both countries.
L-1 visas guide
- L-1 visas overview
- L-1 Visa Requirements and L-1 visa Law
- L VISA BLANKET PETITIONS AND L VISA LAWYER IN TEXAS
- L-1A vs L-1B: Managers, Executives and Specialized Knowledge
- New Office L-1 Petitions: Starting a U.S. Branch
- L-1 Visa Frequently Asked Questions
- L-1 Eligibility: Qualifying Relationship, Prior Employment and Role
- From L-1 to a Green Card: The EB-1C Multinational Manager Path
- L-1 Extensions, L-2 Spouses and Blanket Petitions
How our firm helps with L-1 visas
- We test the qualifying relationship between the foreign and U.S. companies before filing.
- We build the evidence of managerial or specialized-knowledge duties with clear job descriptions and organization charts.
- We structure new-office petitions with a realistic plan for the first year.
- We plan the move from L-1 to a green card through EB-1C or another category.
Situations we handle
- Companies opening a U.S. branch
- Specialized-knowledge employees
- Extensions and amendments
- L-1A managers seeking a green card
Why clients choose our firm
- A Texas-licensed attorney serving immigration clients in all 50 states.
- Russian-language service for clients and families.
- Clear communication and updates through our client portal.
- A full review of your history before anything is filed, so problems are caught early.
- Organized filings and representation through interviews, requests for evidence and appeals.
Get help with l-1 visas
Request a consultation to review your situation. Legal plan members can mention their plan when booking.
This page is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration rules, policies and fees change often. Last updated: November 2026.