L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialized Knowledge)
For employees with specialized knowledge transferring from a related foreign company to a US entity.
The L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialized Knowledge) is a US work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~US$205 visa fee; employer pays US$1,385 I-129 petition fee plus US$500 fraud fee) and processing time (~Several months; ~15 days with US$2,805 premium processing), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialized Knowledge) is for
For employees with specialized knowledge transferring from a related foreign company to a US entity.
Dual intent allowed; commonly leads to a green card via EB-2 or EB-3 sponsorship.
L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialized Knowledge) - eligibility criteria
- Worked for the related foreign entity 1 of the last 3 years
- Possess specialized knowledge of the company's products or processes
- Transferring to a qualifying US related entity
- Qualifying corporate relationship exists between the entities
- Role requires that specialized knowledge
L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialized Knowledge) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialized Knowledge) (United States) is ~US$205 visa fee; employer pays US$1,385 I-129 petition fee plus US$500 fraud fee, with an indicative processing time of ~Several months; ~15 days with US$2,805 premium processing. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Employer files petition; visa stamped at a consulate abroad |
| Length of stay | Up to 3 years (1 year for new offices), extendable to a maximum of 5 years |
| Work rights | Specialized-knowledge work for the petitioning US entity only |
| Study rights | Incidental study permitted; not a study visa |
| Government 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 |
| Route to PR | Dual intent allowed; commonly leads to a green card via EB-2 or EB-3 sponsorship. |
Pathway & next steps
Dual intent allowed; commonly leads to a green card via EB-2 or EB-3 sponsorship.
Many applicants also compare L-1A · L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager/Executive), H-1B · H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa, EB-2 · EB-2 Advanced Degree / NIW Green Card. Run a free VisaChief check to see which US route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialized Knowledge) pitfalls we fix
L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialized Knowledge) - frequently asked questions
How much does the L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialized Knowledge) cost?
The L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialized Knowledge) government fee is ~US$205 visa fee; employer pays US$1,385 I-129 petition fee plus US$500 fraud fee. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) before applying.
How long does the L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialized Knowledge) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~Several months; ~15 days with US$2,805 premium processing. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialized Knowledge) lead to permanent residence?
Dual intent allowed; commonly leads to a green card via EB-2 or EB-3 sponsorship.
Can I work on the L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialized Knowledge)?
Work rights: Specialized-knowledge work for the petitioning US entity only.
Who can apply for the L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialized Knowledge)?
For employees with specialized knowledge transferring from a related foreign company to a US entity.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United States government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) - official United States immigration authority