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ARTICLE · 22 SEPTEMBER 2026

L-1 Visas: Transferring to the US

Weightmans LLP
Weightmans LLP
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Weightmans LLP

Weightmans LLP

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Multinational businesses exploring US employee transfers can leverage the L-1 visa as an alternative to the H-1B lottery system. This visa category offers unique advantages including no annual caps, dual intent status, and streamlined processing for qualifying corporate relationships. Understanding the three-stage eligibility analysis and distinguishing between L-1A and L-1B classifications is essential for successful intracompany transfers.

GlobalImmigration
Asha George
Asha George

Considering a US employee transfer? Our US immigration experts explain how the L-1 visa works, who qualifies and the benefits for multinational businesses.

What is an L-1 visa?

The L-1 visa is a great option for multinational businesses exploring transferring employees to a US affiliate. Unlike the more conspicuous H-1B visa, there is no annual lottery or numerical cap on L-1 visas. Additionally, there is no labour certification process, US payroll requirement, or prevailing-wage standard. Another bright spot is that the L-1 is a dual intent visa, which means that applicants can simultaneously pursue lawful permanent residence and are not required to maintain a foreign residence.

L-1 visa eligibility criteria

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