L-1B Intracompany Transferee Specialized Knowledge
🇺🇸 United States visas · Work
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L-1B Intracompany Transferee Specialized Knowledge
L-1B Intracompany Transferee Specialized Knowledge
United States · Work
What it is
For employees with specialized knowledge of a company's products, services, processes or procedures being transferred from a qualifying overseas employer to a related U.S. office.
Key facts
- Category
- Work
- Duration
- Initial 3 years (1 year for new office), extendable to a maximum of 5 years
- Processing time
- 4 months
- Maximum validity
- 3 years
- Extendable
- Yes
- Path to permanent residence
- Indirect route
- Dependants
- Yes
- How to apply
- Embassy
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee
- USD 205
Key requirements
- Employed continuously for at least 1 of the last 3 years by a qualifying overseas entity
- Coming to work in a position requiring specialized knowledge
- Qualifying corporate relationship between U.S. and foreign entity
- U.S. petitioner files Form I-129 with USCIS
- Specialized knowledge must be distinct from general industry knowledge
Working on this visa
Employment is permitted only as authorized by the nonimmigrant classification accorded (8 CFR 214.1(e)).
Bringing family
Spouse (L-2) may apply for work authorization.
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 3 August 2026.