L-1A Visa: Requirements, Process & Total Cost (2025 Guide)

Help your global leadership work in the U.S. The L-1A visa lets a company transfer an executive or manager from a foreign office to a U.S. branch, subsidiary, affiliate, or to launch a new U.S. office. Initial stay is up to 3 years (new offices: 1 year), with extensions up to a 7-year maximum.

Who Qualifies for L-1A?

Employer (Petitioner)

  1. Qualifying relationship between foreign and U.S. entities (parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate).

  2. Doing business abroad and in the U.S. (regular, continuous provision of goods/services).

  3. New office filings must show office space, business plan/funding, and that the role will be managerial/executive within 1 year.

Employee (Beneficiary)

  1. Worked abroad full-time for 1 continuous year in the last 3 years for the qualifying company.

  2. Coming to the U.S. to work in an executive or managerial capacity (people-manager or function-manager).

L-1A Application Steps (What We Do)

  1. Company & role assessment (qualifying relationship, org chart, job duties).

  2. USCIS filing: Form I-129 (L-1 classification) with supporting evidence; premium processing optional.

  3. Consular visa stamping (if outside the U.S.) or change of status (if inside the U.S.).

  4. Arrival & compliance; extensions as needed (up to 7 years).

L-1A Costs (Government Fees)

  1. I-129 (L-1 classification): $1,385 (standard employers) or $695 (small employers ≤25 FTE).

  2. Fraud Prevention & Detection Fee: $500 (initial L-1 or change of employer).

  3. Public Law 114-113 Fee: $4,500 (for employers with 50+ employees and >50% in H-1B/L-1).

  4. Asylum Program Fee: $600 (standard), $300 (small employers ≤25 FTE), $0 (qualifying nonprofits).

  5. Premium Processing (optional): $2,805 for 15 business days.

  6. Consular MRV Fee: $205.

  7. Possible 2025 Visa Integrity Fee: $250 (starting Oct 1, 2025, pending implementation).

L-1A Benefits

  1. No annual quota (unlike H-1B).

  2. Fast track to green card via EB-1C (multinational manager/executive).

  3. Spouse (L-2) can work in the U.S. with evidence of work eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (L-1A)

How long can I stay on L-1A?

Up to 7 years total (initial up to 3 years; new office initial 1 year).

Do I need a degree?

No specific degree is required; USCIS focuses on executive/managerial duties.

Can I bring my family?

Yes. Spouse and unmarried children (under 21) qualify for L-2; spouse may work.

What’s a blanket L?

Large multinationals can pre-qualify via a blanket petition to simplify recurring transfers.