Learn the criteria for L1 visa, L1 eligibility criteria in the USA and India, how to get L1 or L1A, apply while in the USA, why it gets rejected, and if it can lead to a green card.
You’re Thinking About the L1 Visa
you’re working at a multinational company and just heard about the L1 visa. Maybe your manager mentioned transferring you to the U.S. office, or maybe you’re eyeing a new leadership role in the States. Either way, this visa could be your golden ticket.
The L1 visa is a smart move for professionals like you. It lets multinational employees relocate from a foreign branch to a U.S. location without going through the lottery process like the H-1B. You need to meet some specific qualifications.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the criteria for an L1 visa, how it works, who qualifies, and how to actually get one—step by step. And if it ever gets overwhelming, don’t worry—Beyond Border is here to help you.
To qualify, you must: Be currently employed (or recently employed) by a company that has offices in both your home country and the U.S .Have worked for the same employer abroad for at least one continuous year within the past three years. Be transferring to a U.S. office in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role.
Let’s say you’ve been working as a Senior Project Manager in Mumbai for a U.S.-based tech company. If you’ve completed 12 months in that role sometime in the last 3 years and they now want you in their California office? You’re already ticking major boxes.
Pro Tip: The L1 visa eligibility criteria in India are the same as anywhere else—but documentation quality and company reputation matter a lot during the review. Want to make sure you’re truly eligible? The team at Beyond Border can review your role, company structure, and timeline in one personalized consultation.
There are two types of L1 visas, and your job role decides which one’s right for you.
L1A – For Executives and Managers You’ll qualify for L1A if: You manage other employees or departments. You make high-level decisions (budgets, hiring, strategy).You’re in charge of a function or subdivision of the company.
L1B – For Specialized Knowledge Professionals
You’ll qualify for L1B if: You have deep technical knowledge or proprietary skills. Your skillset isn’t commonly found outside your company. You’re coming to the U.S. to apply that knowledge in a project or department.
who is eligible for an L1A visa? Think Directors, Department Heads, or Regional Managers.
L1B might be perfect for a software engineer who developed an internal system nobody else can replicate. Still not sure where you fit? Let the experts at Beyond Border help you match your profile to the right visa category—so you don’t waste time on the wrong application.
This is a question we hear a lot—especially from people already in the States on a different visa. you can apply for an L1 visa while in the USA through a Change of Status (COS). You don’t need to leave the country if you’re eligible for the switch.
That said, there’s another route called consular processing—where you attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. When an L1 visa can be applied depends on your situation: If you’re abroad, your employer files an L1 petition and you attend a consulate interview. If you’re in the U.S. already (on an H1B, for instance), your employer can file for a COS.
And in both cases, Beyond Border can map out the best strategy based on your location and timing.
So, How Does the L1 Visa Actually Work?
Initial Duration:
L1A: 1 year (new office) or up to 3 years (existing office)
L1B: Up to 3 years
Extensions:
L1A: Up to 7 years total
L1B: Up to 5 years total
Work Authorization: You can legally work for the sponsoring employer only.
Dependents:
Your spouse and kids can join on L2 visas. Bonus? L2 spouses can work in the U.S. too.
Wondering how L1 visas work in real life? Think of it as a company-sponsored move that brings your whole life with you—job, family, and all.
Even strong candidates face denials—and most of the time, it comes down to paperwork and clarity. L1 visa gets rejected most often: Job roles aren’t clearly defined or don’t match L1 standards. Employer’s U.S. office isn’t credible or lacks structure. Incomplete documentation (especially for new office setups). Lack of proof for managerial/specialized roles. Think your company’s structure is a bit messy? Or does your job role sound too generic? Better get a professional to review it.
At Beyond Border, we identify potential weaknesses in your case before they become grounds for rejection, ensuring a stronger path to approval.
Now we’re talking long-term. Yes, the L1 visa can get a green card—especially if you're on an L1A visa. L1A visa holders can apply directly for an EB-1C Green Card (Multinational Executive or Manager).You don’t need to go through the PERM labour certification.
The process is generally faster than other employment-based green card options.
So, is an L1 visa eligible for a green card? Absolutely—and the L1A is one of the smoothest paths , L1B holders can also get a green card, but it’s usually a longer route through EB-2 or EB-3, which requires PERM. Confused about your options? That’s what Beyond Border is here for. We map the best route from visa to green card—customized for you.
Is an L1 visa easy to get?
It depends on how well your company fits the USCIS structure and how clearly your job duties are documented. Strong applications with solid documentation usually succeed.
Can I switch from H1B to L1?
Yes, you can—if you meet the criteria for an L1 visa, especially the one-year employment abroad. The switch can be done through Change of Status in the U.S.
Does L1B lead to a green card?
Yes, but it’s a longer process compared to L1A. You'll need to go through PERM and either EB-2 or EB-3 categories, depending on your qualifications.
The criteria for an L1 visa may seem strict at first glance, but with the right guidance and a well-prepared application, it’s absolutely achievable. Whether you're an executive climbing the corporate ladder or a tech expert with specialized knowledge, the L1 visa can be your gateway to exciting opportunities in the U.S.
Remember, every L1 petition must meet USCIS standards, and even minor errors in documentation or job descriptions can raise red flags. That’s why having a smart strategy matters—from meeting USCIS eligibility criteria to positioning your long-term goals clearly.
So why leave things to chance when you can move forward with clarity?
Book your consultation with Beyond Border today and let our experts help you: Confirm your eligibility Fix potential red flags in your documents and Strategize your L1 to green card journey confidently
