Skip to main content
Skip to content
XIPHIAS Immigration Logo
USA L1 Corporate Transfer Visa
At a glance

Quick facts

No minimum investment; Typical timeline 4 months; 3 highlights

Minimum investment
No minimum
Currency: USD
Typical timeline
From application start
Highlights
  • L1 Visa
  • Corporate
  • USA
~10 sec

Quick eligibility check

Answer 4 short questions. No data is sent to our servers.

0/4 answered
0 yes 0 no0%
1Question 1 of 4 — Does your company have a qualifying U.S. branch or subsidiary for the L1 visa?
2Question 2 of 4 — Has the applicant worked 1 year in a managerial or executive role overseas?
3Question 3 of 4 — Do you have an office or lease for your U.S. business operations?
4Question 4 of 4 — Do you have a business plan for U.S. company growth under the L1 program?

Select answers above to get an instant indication and tailored next steps.

We respect your privacy — answers stay in your browser.

Contact us

Company snapshot

Corporate TransferL1A VisaBusiness ExpansionUSA
Entity type
LLC or Corporation
Ownership
Up to 100% foreign ownership permitted
Office / facility
Physical or leased office space required
Indicative visa quota
1
Bank account readiness
Yes (after EIN issuance)

Program overview

Overview

The USA L1 Corporate Transfer Visa allows international companies to transfer executives, managers, or key staff to their U.S. branch or subsidiary. Designed for business expansion and intra-company transfers, the L1 visa offers a pathway to permanent residency (Green Card) and allows 100% foreign ownership of your U.S. entity. It’s an ideal route for global businesses establishing a U.S. presence with full operational control.

L1 Visa Sponsorship and Employment Rules

Salary/role guidance used by authorities when issuing employment visas/sponsorship.

LevelMinimum salaryNotes
Manager or Executive (L1A)USD 80,000Approximate salary for executive or managerial roles under the L1A visa; varies by state.
Specialized Knowledge Staff (L1B)USD 70,000For key employees transferring under the L1B visa; salary depends on position and experience.
  • Applicant must have one year of continuous full-time work with the foreign company in the last three years.
  • The U.S. and foreign entities must have a valid corporate relationship — parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch.
  • A U.S. office lease and business plan are required for new office setups.

Government fees

Official

Government fees

Total (USD): $9,395
  • I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker

    Main USCIS filing fee.

    $1,385
  • Anti-Fraud Fee

    Required for initial filings.

    $500
  • Public Law 114-113 Fee (large employers only)

    For employers with 50+ L1/H1B staff.

    $4,500
  • Premium Processing (optional)

    14-day fast-track option.

    $2,805
  • DS-160 Visa Application Fee

    Paid during visa application.

    $205
  • Visa Issuance Fee (by nationality)

    Varies by applicant’s nationality.

    —

Eligibility

  • Employee must have worked at least one year in a qualifying foreign company.
  • U.S. and foreign companies must have a parent, branch, or subsidiary link.
  • Both entities must show active business operations.
  • Proof of executive or managerial role with supporting documents.
  • Provide valid passport, company papers, lease, and tax records.

Key benefits

  • L1 visa available year-round with no lottery or quota.
  • Allows executives and managers to work in the U.S. for a related company.
  • Spouses can work and children can study under L2 visas.
  • Pathway to U.S. permanent residency via EB1C Green Card.
  • Premium processing option for faster L1 visa approval.

After U.S. entity setup and visa approval

Typical actions after license & visas are issued.

  1. Open corporate bank account and set up payroll.
  2. Register for federal, state, and local taxes as applicable.
  3. Maintain employment eligibility documentation (Form I-9).
  4. Sponsor dependents after principal visa approval.
  5. Plan annual compliance, tax filings, and renewals.

Application process

Process

How it works

  1. Step 1: Register U.S. Company

    Form an LLC or corporation and obtain an EIN for L1 visa setup.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  2. Step 2: Prepare L1 Visa Petition

    Show company link, job role, and business plan for USCIS approval.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  3. Step 3: File I-129 Form

    Submit L1 visa petition to USCIS with supporting documents.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  4. Step 4: Attend Visa Interview

    Complete DS-160 and attend interview at the U.S. consulate.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  5. Step 5: Receive L1 Visa

    Get visa approval to enter and work in the United States.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  6. Step 6: Maintain Compliance

    Keep payroll, tax filings, and renew your L1 visa on time.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks
USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services)

Authority-specific notes

  • Handles all L1 petition filings and adjudications.
  • Premium Processing (14 days) available for faster decisions.
  • Strict documentation required for company relationship and managerial capacity.
U.S. Department of State

Authority-specific notes

  • Processes consular interviews and visa issuance abroad.
  • DS-160 and consulate fees apply.
  • Interview waiver may be possible for renewals.
IRS (Internal Revenue Service)

Authority-specific notes

  • Employer Identification Number (EIN) required before payroll setup.
  • Foreign-owned entities may have additional reporting obligations.

Who this program is NOT for

  • No valid link between U.S. and foreign companies.
  • Less than one year of qualifying overseas employment.
  • Missing or incomplete company or financial records.
  • Foreign entity inactive or not conducting real business.

Not a match? Explore other programs in United States.

Frequently asked questions

Managers, executives, or key staff transferring from a foreign branch or subsidiary to a U.S. company.

L1A visas are valid up to 7 years, and L1B visas up to 5 years, including extensions.

Yes. The L1 visa supports dual intent and can lead to permanent residency under the EB1C category.

Yes, most industries allow 100% foreign ownership, except for regulated sectors.

L2 spouses can work with authorization, and children may attend U.S. schools.
Explore

Other programs in United States