L-1A vs L-1B: which US visa is right for you?
Two intra-company transfer visas: the L-1A for managers and executives (with an EB-1C green card path), and the L-1B for employees with specialized knowledge.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager/Executive) (L-1A) | L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialized Knowledge) (L-1B) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Who it's for | For managers or executives transferring from a related foreign company to a US branch, affiliate or subsidiary. | For employees with specialized knowledge transferring from a related foreign company to a US entity. |
| Government cost | ~US$205 visa fee; employer pays US$1,385 I-129 petition fee plus US$500 fraud fee | ~US$205 visa fee; employer pays US$1,385 I-129 petition fee plus US$500 fraud fee |
| Processing time | ~Several months; ~15 days with US$2,805 premium processing | ~Several months; ~15 days with US$2,805 premium processing |
| Length of stay | Up to 3 years (1 year for new offices), extendable to a maximum of 7 years | Up to 3 years (1 year for new offices), extendable to a maximum of 5 years |
| Where to apply | Employer files petition; visa stamped at a consulate abroad | Employer files petition; visa stamped at a consulate abroad |
| Work rights | Managerial or executive work for the petitioning US entity only | Specialized-knowledge work for the petitioning US entity only |
| Pathway to PR | Dual intent allowed; aligns closely with the EB-1C multinational manager green card. | Dual intent allowed; commonly leads to a green card via EB-2 or EB-3 sponsorship. |
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 →L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialized Knowledge) (L-1B)
For employees with specialized knowledge transferring from a related foreign company to a US entity.
Full L-1B guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, L-1A or L-1B?
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 L-1B?
Indicatively L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager/Executive) (L-1A) is the quickest at ~Several months; ~15 days with US$2,805 premium processing. Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
What's the main difference between L-1A and L-1B?
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. L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialized Knowledge) (L-1B) is for for employees with specialized knowledge transferring from a related foreign company to a US entity.