L-1 Visa: Transfer to Your Company’s US Office

The L-1 visa lets multinational companies move key employees from a Canadian office to a US office. It’s a powerful option for managers, executives, and employees with specialized knowledge, and it’s one of the strongest routes for Canadians because the L-1A can lead directly to a green card. It even allows a company to open a brand-new US office and transfer someone to run it.

Silver Immigration advises both established multinationals and growing Canadian companies expanding into the US.

What Is the L-1 Visa?

The L-1 is a non-immigrant visa for an employee who has worked for a qualifying related company abroad (parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate) and is being transferred to the US entity. There are two types:

• L-1A: for managers and executives.
• L-1B: for employees with specialized knowledge of the company’s products, services, or processes.

L-1A vs L-1B: What’s the Difference?

L-1 Visa Requirements

• A qualifying relationship between the Canadian and US companies (parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate).
• You worked for the qualifying company abroad for at least one continuous year within the past three years.
• You are being transferred in a managerial, executive, or specialized-knowledge capacity.
• The US and foreign entities are, and will remain, actively doing business.

Opening a New US Office (New-Office L-1)

The L-1 is one of the few visas that lets a foreign company send an executive or manager to establish a new US operation. New-office L-1s are usually granted for one year initially, then extended once the US office is up and running. Strong evidence (premises, a business plan, and funding) is essential.

L-1 for Canadian Companies

Because Canada and the US are so integrated, the L-1 visa for Canadian citizens is a natural fit for Canadian firms opening or growing a US presence. Canadian citizens may in some cases have Form I-129 adjudicated efficiently, and we help structure the corporate relationship correctly from day one.

L-1 Visa Cost and Processing Time

Costs include USCIS filing fees (paid by the employer), with premium processing available to speed up adjudication. Timelines vary; premium processing yields a decision within a set number of business days. (Confirm current USCIS fees before filing.)

From L-1 to Green Card

This is a key advantage. L-1A managers and executives often qualify for the EB-1C green card, which does not require labor certification, one of the faster employment-based routes. L-1B holders typically transition through EB-2 or EB-3. See our US green card page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between L-1A and L-1B?

L-1A is for managers and executives (up to 7 years, direct EB-1C green-card path); L-1B is for specialized-knowledge employees (up to 5 years).

Can I use the L-1 to open a new US office?

Yes. The new-office L-1 lets a qualifying foreign company transfer a manager or executive to establish a US operation.

Can my spouse work on an L-2?

Yes. L-2 spouses are generally authorized to work in the US.

How long must I have worked for the company?

At least one continuous year within the three years before the transfer.

Expanding Into the US?

We’ll structure your L-1 transfer (or new US office) for approval.

Call us today at +1 (888) 799-4769 or fill out our contact form to book your free consultation with a US immigration lawyer.

This page provides general information and is not legal advice. US immigration law changes frequently, so book a consultation for advice on your specific situation.

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