L-1 visa
The L-1 visa is a US nonimmigrant visa for an intracompany transferee - an employee whom a company moves from a foreign office to a related US office, as a manager/executive (L-1A) or specialized-knowledge employee (L-1B).
A German company with a qualifying related US entity (parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate) can transfer an employee who worked for the company abroad for at least one year in the prior three years. L-1A is for managers and executives; L-1B for employees with specialized knowledge.
The L-1 is widely used by German firms staffing a new US operation, and it allows so-called "new office" setups. Eligibility - the qualifying relationship, the role, and the one-year history - is specific and should be assessed professionally.
See also: E-2 visa, Niederlassung (branch office)
Frequently asked questions
- L-1A vs L-1B?
- L-1A is for managers and executives (longer maximum stay); L-1B is for employees with specialized knowledge. Both require a qualifying corporate relationship and prior employment abroad.
- Can a German company use the L-1 to open a US office?
- Yes - the L-1 allows transferring a manager or specialist to set up a new US office of a related German company, subject to the "new office" rules and the qualifying relationship. Specifics should be reviewed with an immigration attorney.
- Can an L-1 holder get a green card?
- Yes. The L-1 is a "dual intent" visa, so the holder can pursue US permanent residence without jeopardizing L-1 status - a key difference from the E-2.