What are L-1 visas? What’s the difference between an L-1A visa and L-1B visa?

An L-1A visa beneficiary must be employed at a company abroad at an executive or managerial level for at least one of the last three years before the L-1A visa is filed. Generally, L-1A holders are admitted to the U.S. for a three year period, though in some cases it is only one year.

An L-1B visa beneficiary must have “specialized knowledge” of the technology, processes, or procedures of a U.S. company. They must be petitioned by the U.S. company and must be currently employed at one of the U.S. company’s affiliates or international branches. L-1B visa holders are permitted to stay in the United States for 3 years, with the chance to renew their L-1B for another 2 years after that.

With the requisite extension approval, the maximum stay for L-1A visas is up to 7 years, while L-1B visa grantees can stay up to 5 years.

What is an L-1B Blanket visa?

An L-1B Blanket visa is issued to intra-company transferees with “specialized knowledge” of the technology, processes or procedures of a U.S. company and its foreign-related entity.

The “Blanket” visa is used for U.S. companies who have already received a blanket L visa approval from USCIS. In a blanket petition, the L-1B beneficiary applies for the visa directly at a U.S. consulate abroad as opposed to filing the petition initially with the USICS.

How long is the L-1B Blanket visa valid?

Generally, L-1B Blanket visa holders are initially admitted to the U.S. for a three year period. An L-1B Blanket visa holder may request a one-time two year extension of the L-1B status.

What is the definition of “specialized knowledge” for U.S. business immigration purposes?

“Specialized knowledge” is considered either of the following:

• A special knowledge of the company product and its application in international markets or has an advanced level of knowledge of processes and procedures of the company; or,
• An advanced level of professional or technical expertise and proprietary knowledge of the organization’s services, products, technology, strategies, or any other corporate function that is essential to the U.S. company’s successful operation.