L-1 visas don't last forever. Many people learn this too late.L-1A visa holders get seven years maximum. L-1B specialists get only five years. Planning your extensions wrong means leaving America earlier than expected.We compared five immigration consultation firms that handle L-1 visa duration planning and extensions. Here's how they stack up.
Beyond Border excels at L-1 extension strategy. They map out your entire visa timeline from day one.
What They Do Well
Their team calculates your exact remaining time. They know which days count toward your maximum duration. Time spent outside America doesn't always pause your clock. Beyond Border tracks this precisely.They file L-1A extensions strategically. Instead of waiting until month 33 to extend your three-year initial period, they file at month 30. This prevents gaps.For L-1B visa maximum stay planning, they're exceptional. Five years passes quickly. Beyond Border creates transition plans early, showing paths to H-1B, O-1, or green cards before your time runs out.
Pricing
Initial consultation costs $200. L-1 visa extension filing runs $2,000 to $3,500 depending on complexity. They include timeline planning free with any extension service.
Why Choose Them
Beyond Border treats your maximum duration as precious. They don't waste a single day. Their lawyers plan three steps ahead, always thinking about what happens after your L-1 expires.
Planning your L-1 extension timeline? Book a consultation with Beyond Border and get a complete duration roadmap for your visa.
Fragomen processes thousands of L-1 cases annually. Corporate clients dominate their practice.
What They Do Well
They understand L-1A vs L-1B duration differences thoroughly. Their systems automatically flag upcoming expiration dates. You get reminders six months before your extension deadline.Fragomen handles complex situations well. If you switched from L-1B to L-1A, they calculate how much time remains accurately. This matters because changing categories doesn't reset your clock.
The Downside
High volume creates delays. Their focus stays on initial transfers, not extension planning. You might not get strategic advice about using your full seven or five years wisely.
Pricing
Extensions cost $3,500 to $5,500. Corporate packages reduce individual costs.
BAL brings technology to L-1 visa duration tracking. Their platform shows your timeline visually.
What They Do Well
Their software calculates the remaining days automatically. You log in and see exactly how much time you have left. BAL files extensions efficiently.They explain the difference between initial three-year periods and two-year extensions clearly. Many visa holders don't realize L-1 extensions come in two-year chunks after the initial approval.
The Downside
Technology can't replace human judgment. BAL sometimes misses strategic opportunities for better timing or category changes.
Pricing
Extensions run $2,500 to $4,000. Their tech platform adds value.
Klasko handles complicated L-1 scenarios. Their attorneys know employment immigration deeply.
What They Do Well
Strong expertise in L-1 maximum duration rules. They handle cases where people worked for affiliated companies abroad, which affects total time available.Klasko plans green card transitions expertly. If you're approaching your L-1B five year limit, they start EB-1C or EB-2 processes early. Smart planning prevents forced departures.
The Downside
Premium pricing. Slower response times during peak seasons. Their expertise costs significantly more than mid-tier firms.
Pricing
Consultations start at $400. Extensions cost $4,000 to $6,000.
Murthy has processed L-1 extensions since the 1990s. Experience counts.
What They Do Well
They've seen every L-1 extension complication imaginable. Gaps in employment. Overseas assignments. Company restructures. Murthy handles them smoothly.Their blog explains L-1A and L-1B differences clearly. Free resources help you understand duration limits before hiring them.
The Downside
Less personalized attention. Junior associates handle many cases. Communication feels corporate.
Pricing
Extensions cost $2,200 to $3,800. Reasonable for their experience level.
The L-1A maximum stay is seven years total. This includes your initial approval period plus all extensions combined.The L-1B visa duration caps at five years. No exceptions exist.These limits count from your first L-1 entry date. Switching from L-1B to L-1A doesn't give you seven fresh years. You only get seven years minus whatever L-1B time you already used.
Most L-1 visas start with three-year approvals. Extensions come in two-year increments until you hit your maximum.File extensions six months before expiration. USCIS processing takes three to six months currently. Premium processing costs $2,805 and guarantees decisions within 15 business days.The best firms file early. Beyond Border recommends starting extension prep eight months out. This allows time for document gathering and company changes.
L-1A executives and managers get two extra years compared to L-1B specialists. This makes L-1A more valuable long-term.Some people start as L-1B then promote to L-1A roles. Your total time still caps at seven years maximum. But those extra two years matter enormously.L-1B holders must plan earlier for green cards or other visas. Five years disappears fast. Beyond Border starts transition planning at year three for L-1B clients.
Once you hit seven years on L-1A or five years on L-1B, you must leave. Period.Unless you have a pending green card application. Then special extensions apply. But you need that application filed before reaching your limit.Smart firms plan this carefully. Beyond Border typically starts green card processes by year four for L-1A and year two for L-1B.
1.What is the maximum duration for an L-1A visa?
The L-1A visa maximum stay is seven years total, including your initial approval period and all subsequent extensions combined, after which you must leave the United States or transition to another visa category.
2.How long can L-1B visa holders stay in the US?
L-1B visa holders can remain in the United States for a maximum of five years total, which is two years less than L-1A visa holders receive for executives and managers.
3.When should I file my L-1 extension application?
You should file your L-1 extension application at least six months before your current status expires to account for USCIS processing times of three to six months, or eight months early if gathering documents takes time.
4.Does switching from L-1B to L-1A reset my duration limit?
No, changing from L-1B to L-1A does not reset your duration clock; your total maximum stay remains seven years minus whatever time you already spent in L-1B status.
5.What happens if I reach my L-1 maximum duration?
Once you reach your L-1 maximum duration, you must leave the United States unless you have a pending green card application that qualifies you for special extensions beyond the normal limits.
