L‑1B Visa: Transfer Specialized Knowledge Talent to the U.S.
If your company needs to transfer technical staff or knowledge experts to the U.S., the L‑1B visa offers a streamlined pathway. Designed for employees with deep expertise in company products, processes, or systems, this visa supports strategic expansion without requiring labor certification.
At Ortega-Medina & Associates, we’ve helped companies worldwide move the right talent into place.
Start with Our L-1B Visa Assessment Form
What Is the L‑1B Visa?
The L‑1B is a non-immigrant visa that allows a foreign company to transfer employees with specialized knowledge to a U.S. affiliate, branch, or subsidiary. The employee must have worked for the company abroad for at least one of the past three years in a role involving:
- Deep knowledge of the company’s products, services, or procedures
- Advanced understanding of internal systems or proprietary techniques
- Technical expertise that would be difficult to replace or replicate
Who Qualifies for L‑1B Transfer?
To qualify, the employee must:
- Have specialized knowledge specific to your company
- Have been employed full-time by a foreign affiliate for at least 1 year within the past 3 years
- Be transferring to a related U.S. entity (parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate)
- Continue working in a specialized knowledge role
Independent contractors or loosely affiliated consultants do not qualify. USCIS requires an established employer-employee relationship, even in the absence of formal payroll.
Opening a New U.S. Office?
L‑1B visas may also be used to launch new operations in the United States. However:
- The initial visa is granted for 1 year only
- Additional evidence must be submitted at renewal to show business viability and ongoing need for the specialized knowledge employee
Important Restrictions to Know
Under the L‑1 Visa Reform Act, L‑1B holders may not be placed at a third-party client site if:
- The third party will directly supervise the employee
- The assignment serves primarily as labor outsourcing rather than a consulting relationship
This restriction is strictly enforced—especially in IT and tech consulting scenarios.
L‑1B vs. L‑1A and Blanket Petitions
Some large multinationals may apply under a Blanket L Petition, streamlining visa issuance for qualifying employees. L‑1B professionals may qualify if:
- The company has an approved blanket petition
- The employee’s knowledge is specialized and professional (i.e., requires a university degree or equivalent)
L‑1B Visa Duration
- Initial grant: Up to 3 years
- Extension: Up to 2 additional years, for a total of 5 years maximum
- Time spent in H‑1B status also counts toward the 5‑year cap
- Certain commuting or part-time employees may be exempt from this limit
L‑2 Visa for Dependents
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 are eligible for L‑2 visas, which allow:
- School enrollment (for children)
- Employment authorization (for spouses)
What We Offer
At Ortega-Medina & Associates, we provide end-to-end support for L‑1B transfers, including:
- Case strategy and eligibility review
- Employer documentation and business relationship proof
- Detailed job description guidance
- Petition preparation and USCIS/consular processing
- Compliance support and reapplication if needed
Why Choose Us?
With over two decades of U.S. business immigration experience, we’ve successfully guided companies through even the most complex L‑1B scenarios. Whether you’re expanding, relocating talent, or responding to a client request, we’ll help you navigate the process efficiently—and successfully.
Contact us today to determine if the L‑1B visa is the right solution for your talent needs.
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