An L-1 visa can be issued to a foreign national employee who has worked abroad for at least one continuous year within the three years immediately preceding the transfer for a qualifying, related business entity (e.g., parent, subsidiary, affiliate) in an executive, managerial or specialized knowledge capacity and who is being transferred to the U.S. to work for the same Employer or a parent, subsidiary or affiliate of the Employer. The Employer must be doing business in the U.S. and at least one other country for the duration of the employee's stay in the U.S. as an L-1 nonimmigrant.

Managers and executives may be admitted for up to seven years. Specialized knowledge employees may be admitted for up to five years and if promoted to a managerial or executive position after admission (and if USCIS is properly notified of the promotion) may remain for up to seven years.

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