L1 Visa: The Complete Guide for UK Applicants

This guide covers everything UK applicants need to know about the L1 visa USA programme in 2025. You will find current requirements, costs, processing times, and the pathway from L1 status to permanent residency. The information draws from official USCIS and U.S. State Department sources.

However, approval is never guaranteed. The U.S. government makes all final decisions on visa petitions, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances.

What Is an L1 Visa?

The L1 visa is a non-immigrant visa category that allows multinational companies to transfer employees from foreign offices to U.S. branches, subsidiaries, affiliates, or parent companies. USCIS administers this programme under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The visa serves a specific purpose: enabling companies with operations in multiple countries to move qualified personnel to their U.S. locations temporarily. This differs from employment-based visas where a U.S. employer hires foreign workers directly.

Two subcategories exist within the L1 classification:

• L1A visa — for managers and executives
• L1B visa — for employees with specialised knowledge

Both categories require a qualifying relationship between the foreign and U.S. entities. The employee must also have worked for the foreign company for at least one continuous year within the three years preceding the application (USCIS, L-1 Visa Overview, 2024).

The L1 visa permits dual intent. This means holders can pursue permanent residency while maintaining their non-immigrant status, unlike many other temporary visa categories.

L1A vs L1B Visa: Key Differences

Understanding the distinction between L1A and L1B visas helps determine which category applies to your situation. The differences affect not only eligibility but also maximum stay duration and green card prospects.

L1A Visa: Managers and Executives

The L1A category covers employees who manage an organisation, department, subdivision, or function. It also includes those who direct the management of the organisation or a major component.

USCIS defines a manager as someone who:

• Supervises and controls the work of professional employees or other supervisors
• Has authority over hiring, firing, and personnel decisions
• Exercises discretion over day-to-day operations

An executive must:

• Direct the management of the organisation or a major component
• Establish goals and policies
• Exercise wide latitude in discretionary decision-making
• Receive only general supervision from higher-level executives or the board of directors

L1B Visa: Specialised Knowledge

The L1B visa applies to employees possessing specialised knowledge of the company's products, services, research, equipment, techniques, or management practices. This knowledge must be distinct or advanced compared to what is generally available in the industry.

Specialised knowledge can include:

• Proprietary processes or methodologies
• Company-specific technology or systems
• Knowledge gained through extensive experience with the organisation
• Expertise that would be difficult to transfer to another worker

The distinction matters significantly for green card planning. L1A holders qualify for the EB-1C category, which typically has shorter wait times than the EB-2 or EB-3 categories available to L1B holders.

L1 Visa Requirements and Eligibility

Meeting L1 visa requirements involves satisfying criteria for both the employer and the employee. USCIS evaluates both sides of the relationship when adjudicating petitions. For a detailed breakdown, see our complete L1 visa requirements guide.

Employer Requirements

The U.S. and foreign entities must have a qualifying relationship. This means the U.S. company must be one of the following in relation to the foreign company:

• Parent company
• Branch
• Subsidiary
• Affiliate

Both entities must be doing business throughout the duration of the employee's stay. USCIS defines "doing business" as the regular, systematic, and continuous provision of goods or services. Simply having an office or agent present does not qualify (USCIS Policy Manual, Chapter 2, 2024).

For new U.S. offices that have been operating for less than one year, additional requirements apply. The petition must show that:

• The U.S. entity has secured sufficient physical premises
• The employee will be employed in a qualifying managerial or executive capacity within one year
• The U.S. entity has the financial ability to commence doing business and pay the beneficiary

Employee Requirements

The L1 visa eligibility criteria for employees include:

• Employment with the foreign company for one continuous year within the three years immediately preceding the petition filing or the employee's admission to the U.S.
• Performance of duties in a managerial, executive, or specialised knowledge capacity at the foreign entity
• Intent to work in a managerial, executive, or specialised knowledge capacity at the U.S. entity
• Qualifications that match the position requirements

The one-year foreign employment requirement is strict. Brief trips to the U.S. during that year do not interrupt the continuous employment period, but extended stays might affect eligibility. Time spent working in the U.S. in a lawful status counts toward the three-year look-back period but not the one-year employment requirement.

Documentation Checklist

Petitioners typically need to submit:

• Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
• Evidence of the qualifying relationship between entities
• Financial documents for both companies
• Organisational charts showing the position
• Job description detailing duties and responsibilities
• Evidence of the employee's qualifications
• Proof of one year of qualifying employment abroad
• Letter explaining the need for the transfer

L1 Visa Application Process Step-by-Step

The L1 visa application involves multiple stages, from the initial petition through the consular interview. UK applicants complete most of the process through the U.S. Embassy in London.

Step 1: Employer Files Form I-129

The U.S. employer or petitioning organisation files Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with USCIS. This petition establishes the qualifying relationship and the employee's eligibility.

The petition package includes:

• Completed Form I-129 with L Classification Supplement
• Filing fee payment
• Supporting documentation
• Form I-129S for blanket L petitions (if applicable)

Large multinational companies may qualify for blanket L petitions, which streamline the process for frequent transfers. Blanket petitions require USCIS pre-approval of the company's eligibility to transfer employees.

Step 2: USCIS Adjudication

USCIS reviews the petition and supporting evidence. The service centre may:

• Approve the petition
• Issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) asking for additional documentation
• Deny the petition

If approved, USCIS sends the approval notice (Form I-797) to the petitioner. For consular processing, USCIS also sends the approved petition to the National Visa Center (NVC).

Step 3: DS-160 Application

After petition approval, the employee completes Form DS-160, the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. This form collects biographical information, travel history, and security-related questions.

Key points for DS-160 completion:

• Use your passport name exactly as it appears
• Upload a compliant photo meeting U.S. visa requirements
• Print the confirmation page with barcode for your interview
• Pay the visa application fee (MRV fee)

Step 4: Schedule Consular Interview

UK applicants schedule their visa interview through the U.S. Embassy London website. Wait times vary by season and demand. As of late 2024, interview wait times for L visas at the London embassy typically range from a few days to several weeks (U.S. Embassy London, November 2024).

Step 5: Attend Visa Interview

Bring the following to your interview at the U.S. Embassy:

• Valid passport
• DS-160 confirmation page
• Form I-797 approval notice
• Interview appointment letter
• Passport-style photograph
• Supporting documents (employment verification, company information)

The consular officer will ask questions about your employment, the U.S. position, and your intent. Interviews typically last 5-15 minutes.

Step 6: Visa Issuance and U.S. Entry

If approved, the embassy returns your passport with the L1 visa stamp, usually within one week. The visa allows travel to the U.S. port of entry, where Customs and Border Protection (CBP) makes the final admission decision.

CBP officers can deny entry even with a valid visa if they have concerns about the traveller's admissibility. Upon admission, you receive Form I-94 documenting your authorised stay period.

L1 Visa Processing Time in 2025

Processing times for L1 visa petitions vary based on the filing type and service centre workload. USCIS publishes processing time estimates, though actual times can differ.

Standard Processing

As of October 2024, USCIS reports processing times for Form I-129 L petitions ranging from 3 to 7 months depending on the service centre (USCIS Processing Times, October 2024). These estimates reflect 80% of cases and do not account for Requests for Evidence, which add additional weeks or months.

Factors affecting processing time include:

• Completeness of the petition
• Service centre workload
• Whether RFEs are issued
• Background check requirements

Premium Processing

Premium processing guarantees USCIS action within 15 business days for an additional fee. "Action" means the agency will either approve, deny, or issue an RFE within that timeframe.

If USCIS issues an RFE under premium processing, the 15-day clock resets once you submit your response. Premium processing applies only to the USCIS petition phase, not the consular interview or other steps.

For time-sensitive transfers, premium processing provides predictability. However, it does not guarantee approval — only faster adjudication.

Consular Processing Times

After USCIS approval, UK applicants typically wait 1-3 weeks for a consular interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy London. Visa issuance after an approved interview takes approximately 5-7 business days.

Total timeline from petition filing to U.S. entry:

• Standard processing: 5-8 months
• Premium processing: 2-4 months

These estimates assume no complications. Delays can occur at any stage, and applicants should plan accordingly.

L1 Visa Cost and Fees Breakdown

L1 visa costs include government filing fees, visa application fees, and potential premium processing charges. The sponsoring employer typically pays petition-related fees, while the employee may cover consular fees.

Fee Notes and Considerations

The ACWIA (American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act) fee applies to employers with 26 or more full-time employees in the U.S. Companies with 25 or fewer employees pay $750; larger companies pay $1,500. This fee applies to L-1A and L-1B petitions (USCIS Fee Schedule, April 2024).

The visa issuance fee at the consular stage varies by nationality based on reciprocity agreements. UK citizens generally face lower reciprocity fees than applicants from some other countries.

Additional costs not listed above may include:

• Legal fees for petition preparation
• Document translation and authentication
• Medical examinations (if required)
• Travel costs for the interview

For new office petitions, expect similar base fees. However, these cases often require more extensive documentation, potentially increasing legal preparation costs.

Total estimated cost for an L1 visa ranges from $1,700 to $6,000 or more, depending on premium processing selection, company size, and legal assistance.

L1 Visa vs H1B: Which Is Right for You?

Both L1 and H1B visas enable skilled workers to work in the United States, but they serve different purposes and have distinct requirements. Understanding these differences helps determine which pathway suits your situation.

When L1 Makes More Sense

The L1 visa is typically preferable when:

• You already work for a multinational company with U.S. operations
• You want to avoid the H1B lottery
• You lack a bachelor's degree but have qualifying experience
• Your spouse needs to work in the U.S.
• You are in a managerial role and want access to the EB-1C green card category

When H1B Makes More Sense

The H1B visa may be better when:

• You want to work for a U.S. company without foreign affiliates
• You have not worked abroad for the required one-year period
• You want more flexibility to change employers
• Your role does not clearly fit L1 categories

Switching Between Categories

Workers can sometimes change from one status to another. An H1B holder might later qualify for L1 status if their employer has foreign operations and they spend a year working abroad. Similarly, L1 holders can apply for H1B status if they want to change employers, though they would need to go through the lottery process unless cap-exempt.

Neither visa guarantees permanent residency, but both allow dual intent. Planning your immigration strategy early helps maximise options.

L1 Visa to Green Card Pathway

The L1 visa to green card pathway represents one of the more straightforward routes to permanent residency for eligible applicants. Dual intent status means L1 holders can pursue green cards without jeopardising their non-immigrant status.

EB-1C for L1A Holders

L1A visa holders may qualify for the EB-1C employment-based green card category, which covers multinational managers and executives. This category offers significant advantages:

• No labour certification (PERM) required
• Priority date becomes current faster than EB-2/EB-3
• Generally shorter wait times

To qualify for EB-1C, the applicant must:

• Have been employed outside the U.S. for at least one year in the three years preceding the petition
• Seek to continue working in a managerial or executive capacity
• Work for the same employer (or affiliate/subsidiary) that employed them abroad

The EB-1C category has experienced increased demand and longer wait times in recent years. As of November 2024, priority dates for EB-1C remain current for most countries, though applicants from India and China face backlogs (U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin, November 2024).

EB-2 and EB-3 for L1B Holders

L1B holders typically pursue green cards through the EB-2 or EB-3 categories. These routes generally require:

• PERM labour certification (employer must test the U.S. labour market)
• Approved I-140 immigrant petition
• Adjustment of status or consular processing

Processing times for PERM, I-140, and adjustment of status combined can take several years. Backlogs for EB-2 and EB-3, particularly for applicants from India, extend wait times significantly.

Timeline Expectations

Estimated timelines vary by category and country of chargeability:

These estimates are approximate and subject to change based on visa bulletin movements and USCIS processing times.

Maintaining Status During Green Card Processing

While a green card application is pending, L1 holders must maintain valid status. This may require:

• Extending L1 status before it expires
• Ensuring the qualifying employer relationship continues
• Not exceeding the maximum L1 stay (7 years for L1A, 5 years for L1B)

The American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act (AC21) allows for extensions beyond the normal maximum if a green card petition has been pending for more than 365 days.

L1 Visa Benefits and Limitations

The L1 visa offers distinct advantages for intracompany transferees but also comes with restrictions. Weighing these factors helps set realistic expectations.

Benefits

• No annual cap or lottery — Unlike H1B visas, L1 petitions can be filed year-round without lottery uncertainty.
• No degree requirement — Eligibility depends on job function and company relationship, not educational credentials.
• Spouse work authorisation — L2 dependent visa holders can apply for an Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) to work for any U.S. employer.
• Dependent children — Children under 21 can attend school in the U.S. on L2 status.
• Dual intent — Holders can pursue permanent residency without affecting their non-immigrant status.
• Green card advantages — L1A holders access the priority EB-1C category.
• Blanket petition option — Qualifying companies can streamline transfers for multiple employees.

Limitations

• Single employer restriction — L1 holders can only work for the petitioning employer. Changing jobs requires a new petition from a different qualifying employer.
• One-year foreign employment — The requirement to work abroad for one year before transfer limits flexibility.
• Company relationship required — The employer must maintain a qualifying relationship with the foreign entity throughout the employee's stay.
• Maximum stay limits — Seven years for L1A and five years for L1B, with limited exceptions.
• Documentation burden — L1 petitions require extensive evidence of the qualifying relationship and the employee's role.
• RFE and denial rates — USCIS scrutiny of L1 petitions has increased, particularly for L1B specialised knowledge cases.
• New office limitations — New U.S. offices receive only one-year initial approval with additional extension requirements.

Risk Factors

Applicants should be aware that:

• Approval rates vary, and denials do occur
• Processing delays can affect business and personal plans
• Changes in company structure may affect status
• Economic conditions can influence USCIS adjudication patterns
• Policy changes may alter requirements or processing

Planning for contingencies and maintaining thorough documentation helps mitigate these risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

For informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Immigration outcomes are determined by the U.S. government.