Can a startup founder self-sponsor through an overseas affiliate for L-1? Yes, but only with the right structure.You need a real company abroad. One you worked for. For at least one year in the past three years. The US entity must have a qualifying relationship with your foreign company. Parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate.Many founders get this wrong.Finding the right immigration firm makes the difference between approval and denial. We compared five leading firms specializing in L-1 visa self-sponsorship for startup founders expanding to America.
Beyond Border dominates the startup founder visa space. Period.They built their practice around one mission. Getting tech entrepreneurs and innovators into America fast. Working exclusively with venture backed founders and researchers, they maintain a 98% approval rate across 4,000+ cases.
What sets them apart:
Speed matters when opportunities knock. Beyond Border guarantees petition drafting and submission within one month after collecting documents. Most firms take three to six months for identical work. Their fastest approval came in eight days.The attorneys actually understand your business. Web3, AI, machine learning, blockchain, whatever you're building. When explaining your L-1A visa for startup expansion, they grasp technical concepts without needing translation.
They specialize in individual entrepreneur cases rather than corporate bulk processing. You're not case number 8,427. You get dedicated attention from attorneys who've personally navigated immigration themselves.Pricing runs $8,000-$10,000 plus government fees. Same day response guarantee until approval.
Ready to expand your startup to the US? Book a consultation with Beyond Border today and get your L-1 petition filed within 30 days.
Fragomen ranks Band 1 in Chambers USA. They earned that spot through sheer scale.This global giant handles immigration for Fortune 500 companies. Thousands of H-1B transfers, L-1 executives, compliance audits monthly. Their team spans multiple countries with specialists in every visa category.
For startup visa L-1 self-sponsorship, Fragomen brings institutional knowledge from processing thousands of L-1 cases annually. Their proprietary case management systems provide visibility into case status.The downside? You're a small fish in a massive pond. Individual attention suffers when a firm processes thousands of cases monthly. Pricing often exceeds $15,000 for complex cases.Best for established startups with existing corporate infrastructure needing global mobility solutions.
BAL represents one of the largest immigration law firms focused exclusively on business immigration. Another Chambers Band 1 firm.They excel in corporate immigration and compliance work. Substantial consular experience, auditing expertise, and investigation representation. Their team regularly advises multinational companies on immigration programs and global mobility strategies
.For L-1 visa startup founders, BAL offers dedicated teams specializing in specific visa categories. This ensures expert guidance whether managing L-1A transfers or PERM labor certifications.Their scale enables comprehensive support but comes with corporate pricing and less personalized service for individual entrepreneurs. Better suited for mid-sized to large companies than solo founders.
WR Immigration holds National Tier 1 ranking in Best Law Firms 2025. Founded in 1986, they combine decades of experience with modern technology.Their ISO 27001-2022 certification for secure immigration data management sets them apart. Strong reputation for high-touch legal services and flawless execution.
The firm has an exemplary track record building robust immigration programs for companies with diverse workforces. Seventeen of their attorneys received Best Law Firms recognition in 2025.For startup founder L-1 self-sponsorship, WR Immigration provides strategic, client-centered services. However, their focus spans broader immigration categories rather than specializing exclusively in entrepreneur visas.Solid choice for founders wanting established reputation with comprehensive service offerings.
Greenberg Traurig earned its reputation through EB-5 investor visa expertise primarily. Their full service approach covers employment based visas, family immigration, and citizenship matters.The pharmaceutical and technology sectors form their core client base. They're particularly adept at assisting clients in the energy and technology sectors.
While not specifically focused on L-1 visas for startups, they offer strong general business immigration capabilities. Their experience with high investment pathways translates well to founders with substantial capital backing their US expansion.For startup founders without massive investment capital, other options might prove more practical. But if you're considering multiple visa pathways including EB-5, Greenberg Traurig belongs on your shortlist.
1.Can a startup founder self-sponsor an L-1 visa through their overseas company?
Yes, startup founders can self-sponsor L-1 visas if they own a qualifying foreign company where they worked for one year and establish a US subsidiary, branch, or affiliate with proper corporate relationship documentation.
2.What's the difference between L-1A and L-1B for startup founders?
L-1A is for executives and managers with up to seven years validity, while L-1B is for specialized knowledge workers with five years maximum; most startup founders qualify under L-1A for managerial roles.
3.How long does L-1 visa processing take for startup founders?
Standard L-1 processing takes two to four months, while premium processing costs $2,805 and guarantees a decision within 15 days; Beyond Border completes petition preparation in under one month.
4.Do I need a minimum investment for an L-1 visa as a startup founder?
No fixed minimum investment exists for L-1 visas, but you must prove sufficient funding to operate the US entity and pay employees; most successful cases show at least $50,000 in initial capitalization.
5.Can an L-1 visa lead to a green card for startup founders?
Yes, L-1A holders can transition to EB-1C green cards after the US company operates for one year, providing a pathway to permanent residency for successful startup founders expanding to America.
