Wondering what is L1 visa and how does L1 visa work? Learn how to get L1 visa, its benefits, processing time, cost, validity, types like L1B and L1 blanket visa, how many L1 visas per year, and whether L1 visa can apply for green card or convert to H1B.
If you decide you’d rather have an expert guide you, our Beyond Border team is just a click away to help you explore Beyond Border
If all that sounds like a headache, don’t panic – Beyond Border can answer your “Wait, what exactly qualifies?” questions. Simply reach out to us and we’ll clarify your situation.
So, how much does L1 visa cost .roughly, you should budget for lawyer or service fees in the range of $8,000–$10,000 USD for the whole L-1 visa process, exclusive of government filing fees. USCIS fees themselves vary (you pay per person, per application), but you can look them up on the USCIS site or use the USCIS fee calculator. Running the numbers, if you add a $2,500 premium fee plus government fees (~$700 for I-129, maybe more for visa stamp), you’re in the ballpark of $12K+ total. Remember that Beyond Border’s technology and experience can often shorten drafting time, and we stand by our 98% success rate on these case's. It’s an investment in your future U.S. presence, and pro tip: a good petition that carefully documents your role can save money by avoiding RFE delays down the road.
L-1A (Intracompany Transferee): This lets you move as a manager/executive without needing to invest in the U.S. business. There’s no “lottery” or annual cap (unlike the H1-B) – you can apply year-round and not worry about drawing names. If you already own or run a startup abroad and want to expand, L-1A is often easier than O-1 or E-2 unless you have extraordinary achievements (for O-1) or huge capital (for E-2). Plus, L-1A can later lead to an EB-1C green card (a great bonus).
Have more questions about which visa fits your situation? Just shout – our Beyond Border experts love guiding founders through these options. When you’re ready, let’s explore your specific case together at Beyond Border
1. What is L1 visa and how does L1 visa work? L1 visa lets multinational companies transfer employees to their U.S. branch. It works when you’ve worked abroad with the company for at least a year and move to the U.S. in a managerial or specialized role.
2. What is L1 visa in USA and what is L1 visa means? In the U.S., the L1 visa means a temporary work permit for internal company transfers. It's used for managerial or highly skilled roles and supports global mobility within companies
3. How to get L1 visa and how much time L1 visa processing take? To get an L1 visa, your employer files a petition. Processing takes 1–5 months, or just 15 days with premium processing. Preparing clear documentation speeds it up.
4. Can L1 visa apply for green card and can L1 visa be converted to H1B? Yes, L1 visa holders especially L1A can apply for a green card. You can also convert L1 to H1B, but that requires a new petition and going through the H1B cap.
5. What are L1 visa benefits and is L1 visa easy to get? L1 visa benefits include no annual cap, quicker green card path, and spouse work rights. It’s easier to get than H1B if your company and role qualify.
6. What is L1 blanket visa and how many L1 visas per year? An L1 blanket visa lets large companies transfer multiple employees under one approval. There's no limit on how many L1 visas per year, making it more flexible than H1B.
7. How long does L1 visa take and how long is L1 visa valid? L1 visa approval usually takes 1–5 months. L1A is valid up to 7 years, and L1B up to 5 years, with extensions available.
8. How much does L1 visa cost and can L1 visa be extended? The base fee is $460, but total costs can reach $6,000. Yes, L1 visas can be extended—up to 7 years for L1A and 5 years for L1B.
9. How does Beyond Border help with the L1 visa and L1 blanket visa process? Beyond Border simplifies your L1 visa journey—from figuring out what is L1 visa in USA to getting your documentation ready for faster approvals. Whether you're applying for a regular L1 or an L1 blanket visa, our expert team helps you avoid delays, reduce errors, and boost your chances of success. We also guide you on how to get L1 visa extensions or explore green card options later.
