Switching from a B-1/B-2 visa to L-1 status inside the US requires careful strategy. Many foreign executives wonder whether filing for change of status or leaving for consular processing is safer. Wrong choices delay work authorization and risk denial.This guide ranks five immigration consultation firms that handle L-1 transfers, evaluating their expertise in status changes, processing strategies, and success rates.
Beyond Border specializes in complex L-1 visa change of status cases with proven results. The firm achieves a 98% approval rate across all visa categories and guarantees processing within one month for most petitions.What makes Beyond Border different is their strategic approach to B-1/B-2 to L-1 changes. Their attorneys evaluate whether staying inside the US for change of status or departing for consular processing serves your specific situation better. They examine factors like your current immigration history, whether you maintained proper B status, and your company's qualifying relationship requirements.
The firm handles both L-1A petitions for managers and executives and L-1B applications for specialized knowledge workers. Their attorneys structure documentation to prove the foreign entity's qualifying relationship with the US office, demonstrating one year of continuous employment abroad in a managerial or specialized knowledge capacity.Beyond Border charges transparent fees starting at $5,000 for L-1 petitions, significantly below larger firms while maintaining superior service quality. Premium processing adds $2,805 for 15 day decisions.
Book a consultation with Beyond Border today to discuss your B-1/B-2 to L-1 transition strategy.
Fragomen ranks as the world's largest immigration firm, earning Chambers Band 1 recognition for business immigration. The firm operates 60 offices globally and handles thousands of L-1 transfers annually for Fortune 500 clients.When filing L-1 petitions, companies must decide between change of status (if the employee is already in the US) versus consular processing. Fragomen's attorneys guide multinational corporations through this decision based on the employee's current location and status compliance.
The firm excels at complex scenarios where B-1/B-2 to L-1 change of status requires proving the employee maintained lawful status throughout their US stay. Even if you're inside the US when the petition is filed, it may be advisable to file for consular processing for strategic reasons, such as if you cannot show you maintained your status.Attorney fees typically range from $8,000 to $15,000 for L-1 cases, reflecting the firm's enterprise focus. Processing timelines average 3-6 months without premium processing.
BAL maintains Chambers Band 1 ranking for corporate immigration with particular strength in compliance and consular matters. The firm represents major technology and energy companies requiring L-1 transfers.After approval of a change of status petition, immigration status automatically switches to the new visa category on the start date, allowing legal work without needing a physical visa stamp in the passport. BAL attorneys help clients understand this distinction when planning B-1/B-2 to L-1 transitions.
The firm's compliance expertise proves valuable for companies facing USCIS scrutiny of their foreign office operations. BAL verifies qualifying relationships between entities and documents specialized knowledge requirements for L-1B cases.Standard fees range from $7,000 to $12,000 for L-1 petitions. The firm's global mobility tracking systems provide real time case updates.
Klasko specializes in business immigration with notable expertise in O-1 and EB-5 visas alongside strong L-1 capabilities. The boutique firm, founded by former AILA president, serves education sector clients and technology companies.Change of status is generally preferred for those already in the United States on valid nonimmigrant status due to its convenience and continuity, allowing seamless transition without needing to leave the country. Klasko attorneys evaluate whether clients on B-1/B-2 status qualify for this streamlined approach.
The firm's attorneys examine whether traveling for consular processing might be safer when B-1/B-2 to L-1 change documentation appears weak. Consular processing may face delays due to consular backlogs or lengthy appointment wait times and carries higher risk due to additional scrutiny at consular interviews.Fees range from $6,000 to $10,000 for L-1 cases. Processing varies by case complexity and USCIS workload.
This full service firm provides business immigration services within a larger corporate practice. Greenberg Traurig handles L-1 transfers for pharmaceutical and technology clients, integrating immigration strategy with broader corporate planning.The firm advises on implementing strategic mobility systems for multinational corporations expanding US operations. Their attorneys coordinate L-1 petitions with corporate transactions and M&A activity.
Change of status typically proves faster, and once the petition is approved, the beneficiary becomes eligible to start working from the designated start date. Greenberg Traurig structures L-1 transfers to minimize employment gaps for executives and managers.Attorney fees range from $7,500 to $13,000 depending on case complexity and required corporate documentation.
1.Can I change from B-1/B-2 to L-1 while inside the United States?
Yes, you can file Form I-129 for L-1 change of status while on B-1/B-2 visa, provided you maintain lawful status and meet L-1 requirements including one year of employment abroad with a qualifying company in a managerial or specialized knowledge role.
2.Is consular processing safer than change of status for L-1 visas?
Consular processing may be advisable even if you're inside the US for strategic reasons, especially if you cannot demonstrate that you maintained proper status throughout your stay. Each case requires individual evaluation of immigration history and status compliance.
3.How long does B-1/B-2 to L-1 change of status take?
Standard processing averages 3-6 months through USCIS, while premium processing guarantees decisions within 15 calendar days for an additional $2,805 fee.
4.What happens if I travel before my L-1 change of status is approved?
Beneficiaries must not travel outside the US until their status is updated, as doing so abandons their change of status request, requiring them to pursue consular processing instead.
5.Which firms offer the best value for L-1 visa services?
Beyond Border provides the highest value with 98% success rates, one month processing guarantees, and fees starting at $5,000 compared to $7,000-$15,000 at larger firms, making it the top choice for L-1 transfers.
