L-1A vs EB-1: which US visa is right for you?
A common transfer-to-green-card path: the L-1A moves a manager or executive to the US temporarily, and the EB-1C green card lets that same multinational manager stay permanently.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager/Executive) (L-1A) | EB-1 Priority Worker Green Card (EB-1) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Temporary | Permanent / PR |
| Who it's for | For managers or executives transferring from a related foreign company to a US branch, affiliate or subsidiary. | For priority workers: people of extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, and multinational managers. |
| Government cost | ~US$205 visa fee; employer pays US$1,385 I-129 petition fee plus US$500 fraud fee | ~US$715 I-140 petition fee plus US$1,440 I-485 (or US$235 immigrant fee abroad) |
| Processing time | ~Several months; ~15 days with US$2,805 premium processing | ~8-18 months (faster if priority date is current; premium processing on I-140) |
| Length of stay | Up to 3 years (1 year for new offices), extendable to a maximum of 7 years | Permanent (green card) |
| Where to apply | Employer files petition; visa stamped at a consulate abroad | Consular processing abroad or adjustment of status in the US |
| Work rights | Managerial or executive work for the petitioning US entity only | Full work authorization as a permanent resident |
| Pathway to PR | Dual intent allowed; aligns closely with the EB-1C multinational manager green card. | Is itself a green card; leads to citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident. |
Which is right for you?
L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager/Executive) (L-1A)
For managers or executives transferring from a related foreign company to a US branch, affiliate or subsidiary.
Full L-1A guide →EB-1 Priority Worker Green Card (EB-1)
For priority workers: people of extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, and multinational managers.
Full EB-1 guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, L-1A or EB-1?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager/Executive) (L-1A) is the lowest at ~US$205 visa fee; employer pays US$1,385 I-129 petition fee plus US$500 fraud fee. Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, L-1A or EB-1?
Indicatively EB-1 Priority Worker Green Card (EB-1) is the quickest at ~8-18 months (faster if priority date is current; premium processing on I-140). Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
Which of these leads to permanent residence?
EB-1 is permanent. L-1A: Dual intent allowed; aligns closely with the EB-1C multinational manager green card. EB-1: Is itself a green card; leads to citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident.
What's the main difference between L-1A and EB-1?
L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager/Executive) (L-1A) is for for managers or executives transferring from a related foreign company to a US branch, affiliate or subsidiary. EB-1 Priority Worker Green Card (EB-1) is for for priority workers: people of extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, and multinational managers.