Key Advantages
No Annual Cap
Unlike the H-1B, there is no lottery or annual limit for L-1 visas, allowing companies to transfer talent whenever needed.
Path to Green Card
L-1A holders (Executives/Managers) can often bypass the labor certification process (PERM) and apply for permanent residency via the EB-1C category.
Dual Intent
L-1 holders can legally seek a Green Card without jeopardizing their current non-immigrant status.
Spousal Work Authorization
Spouses of L-1 holders (L-2) are eligible for an EAD to work anywhere in the U.S.
Flexible Extensions
L-1A holders can stay for up to 7 years, while L-1B holders are granted up to 5 years.
The Lingtu Approach: Global Mobility Strategy
Lingtu Law plans the overall L-1 talent-transfer strategy for your business and prepares the supporting petition.
Organizational Structure Design
We help "New Office" L-1 petitions build a 1-year growth plan that ensures the company meets the requirements for a long-term extension.
Specialized Knowledge Mapping
For L-1B petitions, we work with your technical team to document the "proprietary" and "complex" nature of your personnel's knowledge to avoid common USCIS denials.
RFE Defense Strategy
Our fee structures are all-inclusive regarding RFE responses, providing peace of mind during the adjudication process.
L-1 Categories
L-1A: Executives and Managers
- For: High-level employees with the authority to make major decisions or supervise a professional team.
- Initial Stay: 3 years (1 year for "New Offices").
- Max Stay: 7 years.
L-1B: Specialized Knowledge Professionals
- For: Personnel possessing specialized, proprietary knowledge of the company's products, services, or internal processes.
- Initial Stay: 3 years.
- Max Stay: 5 years.
EB-1C Multinational Manager/Executive Green Card
Qualifying L-1A executives and managers may apply for a green card directly through EB-1C, without going through the PERM labor certification process.
One Year of U.S. Operations
- Before filing Form I-140, the U.S. company must have been doing business in the United States for at least one year. New Office L-1A holders must first reach this one-year mark before filing EB-1C.
Qualifying Foreign Employment
- Within the three years before filing, the applicant must have worked for the related foreign parent, subsidiary, or affiliate in an executive or managerial role for at least one year.
Executive or Managerial Role in the U.S.
- The U.S. position must meet the immigration-law definition of executive or managerial capacity — involving major decisions or team management, not performing the underlying operational or technical work personally. A title alone does not establish the required duties.
No Labor Certification Required
- EB-1C does not require PERM labor market testing, which generally moves the case into the visa queue faster than most other employment-based categories.
Eligibility Overview
Requirements
- Prior Employment: The employee must have worked for the foreign affiliate for at least 1 continuous year within the last 3 years.
- Qualifying Relationship: The U.S. company must be a parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch of the foreign entity.
- Active Business: Both the U.S. and foreign entities must be actively doing business for the duration of the L-1 stay.
Legal Fee Structure
Full Representation
Attorney assessment required
- A tailored quote is provided after the initial case assessment.
- The payment schedule is confirmed in the Legal Services Agreement.
- Includes: Lawyer-drafted Business Plan (scope determined after assessment), full evidence reconstruction, Petition Letter drafting, RFE response, and Consular interview coaching.
- Guarantee: one free re-filing if denied; a fixed flat-fee option covering case assessment, legal document drafting and RFE response (without free re-filing) is also available.
- Note: L-2 dependent representation is quoted after assessment.
Important Disclosures & Disclaimer
- Exclusions: Fees do not include USCIS filing fees, Premium Processing, translation, or courier costs.
- Reference Only: Final terms are governed by the signed Legal Services Agreement.
- No Guarantee: Fees do not constitute a guarantee or promise of a specific case outcome.
USCIS Official Filing Fees (Current as of October 2026)
I-129 Petition Fees
- Base Filing Fee: $1,385 (Standard) / $695 (Small employers/Nonprofits)
- Asylum Program Fee: $600 (Standard) / $300 (Employers with 25 or fewer full-time employees) / $0 (Nonprofits)
- Anti-Fraud Fee: $500 (Initial L-1 petitions and changes of employer)
- Public Law 114-113 Fee: $4,500 (Employers with 50 or more U.S. employees, more than half in H-1B or L-1 status)
Optional: Premium Processing Service
- Premium Processing Fee (Form I-907): $2,965
- Timeline: 15 business days
Consular Fees
- Visa Interview Fee: $205 (Paid to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate)
Timeline & Processing Overview
Preparation (2–3 Months)
Evidence gathering, drafting, and final audit.
USCIS Adjudication
Regular: 4–7 months · Premium: 15 business days
Visa Issuance
Once approved, you attend a consular interview (if abroad) or begin work immediately (if changing status within the U.S.).