L1 Visa Program
The L-1 Visa —
India to America for Business Leaders
The most strategic visa for Indian business owners. Transfer yourself to your US entity as an executive or manager — and build a direct pathway to permanent residency.
L-1A
Executive & Manager Transfer
For directors, CEOs, GMs, and department managers. The most powerful L-1 category — leads directly to the EB-1C green card without PERM labor certification. Valid for 3 years initially (7 years total).
- No annual cap or lottery
- Fast EB-1C green card path
- Spouse gets L-2 work authorization
- New office: 1-year initial period
L-1B
Specialized Knowledge Transfer
For employees with specialized, proprietary knowledge of the company's products, methodologies, or operations. Valid for 3 years initially (5 years total maximum).
- No PERM required for petition
- Covers technical and functional specialists
- Renewable up to 5 years
- Supports EB-2/EB-3 green card filing
L1 Visa — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the L1 visa and who qualifies from India?
The L-1 visa allows multinational companies to transfer employees from their Indian entity to a related US entity. L-1A is for executives and managers; L-1B is for employees with specialized knowledge. You must have worked for the Indian company for at least 1 continuous year within the past 3 years. Indian business owners who operate a company in India and wish to establish or expand US operations are prime candidates.
Can I start a new US company to get an L1 visa?
Yes — this is called a 'new office' L-1. You set up a US subsidiary, affiliate, or joint venture of your Indian company, then transfer yourself as the executive or manager to establish and run it. The initial visa is typically granted for 1 year, after which you may apply for a 3-year extension once the US office is operational.
How long does L1 visa processing take from India?
Premium processing (15 business days) is available for L-1 petitions. Regular processing takes 3–6 months. Once USCIS approves the petition, you attend a consular interview at a US consulate in India (Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, or Kolkata) for the actual visa stamp.
Can an L1 visa lead to a green card?
Yes. L-1A visa holders are eligible to file for an EB-1C (Multinational Executive or Manager) green card, which has no PERM labor certification requirement. This is one of the fastest employment-based green card pathways available. L-1B holders typically pursue EB-2 or EB-3, which require PERM for Indian nationals.
What US business structure works best for L1 visa purposes?
A Delaware C-Corporation or Wyoming LLC are the most common structures. The US entity must maintain a qualifying relationship (parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or joint venture) with the Indian company. The structure should be established before the L-1 petition is filed, and we recommend having a business plan, US bank account, and initial operations in place.
What is the difference between L-1A and L-1B?
L-1A is for executives and managers who direct the organization or a department with authority over personnel decisions. L-1B is for employees with specialized, proprietary knowledge of the company's products, services, research, or procedures. L-1A has a cleaner path to the EB-1C green card. Both require at least 1 year of prior employment at the overseas entity.