Is the L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager) or the L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialized Knowledge) faster to get?

The L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager) (L-1A) is typically faster, around 1–3 months, versus 1–6 months for the L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialized Knowledge). Real timelines depend on the country's caseload and how complete your application is.

How much do the L-1A and L-1B cost?

Both carry roughly $1,385 in official government fees. That figure excludes legal help, document translation, skills assessment, and relocation, which often dwarf the visa fee itself.

Can I get permanent residency with the L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager) or the L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialized Knowledge)?

The L-1A leads to permanent residency in roughly 2 years, while the L-1B leads to permanent residency in roughly 5 years. If long-term settlement is the goal, weight the route with the clearer PR pathway more heavily.

Do the L-1A and L-1B need a job offer?

Yes. Both the L-1A and the L-1B require a job offer or employer sponsorship before you apply. Securing an eligible employer is the critical first step for either route.

L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager) vs L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialized Knowledge)

United States · L-1Avs United States · L-1B

Quick answerUpdated 2026-05-03

The L-1A is the faster route (1–3 months), both lead to permanent residency. Which fits depends on your nationality, profession, and whether you already have a job offer, the breakdown below maps each visa to a profile.

Maintained by Senne Bels, Founder, Transita

If you're choosing between these two, the question usually comes down to your role at your company. Both L-1A and L-1B are intracompany transfer visas for the same employer, but they target different job levels. Your position, timeline to permanent residency, and sponsorship situation will determine which path makes sense for you.

Section 01

At a glance

L-1A

L-1B

Processing time

1–3 months

1–6 months

Application fee

$1,385

Initial validity

3 yrs

Path to PR

Yes, ~2 yrs

Yes, ~5 yrs

Points-based

Employer sponsor

Required

Minimum salary

—

Language test

Not required

Verified

2026-05-02

2026-05-03

Section 02

Which one fits you?

01
Your job role
Pick L-1A
Choose L-1A if you're a manager or executive overseeing operations or staff.
Pick L-1B
Choose L-1B if you have specialized knowledge in a technical or specialized field.
02
Speed to green card
Pick L-1A
L-1A gets you there faster, with a path to PR in roughly 2 years.
Pick L-1B
L-1B takes longer, typically 5 years to permanent residency eligibility.
03
Employer sponsorship
Pick L-1A
L-1A does not explicitly require an employer sponsor to file.
Pick L-1B
L-1B requires an active employer sponsor throughout the process.
04
Processing timeline
Pick L-1A
L-1A processing is faster, taking 1 to 3 months on average.
Pick L-1B
L-1B can take longer, ranging from 1 to 6 months for approval.

Section 03

Common questions

Is the L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager) or the L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialized Knowledge) faster to get?: The L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager) (L-1A) is typically faster, around 1–3 months, versus 1–6 months for the L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialized Knowledge). Real timelines depend on the country's caseload and how complete your application is.
How much do the L-1A and L-1B cost?: Both carry roughly $1,385 in official government fees. That figure excludes legal help, document translation, skills assessment, and relocation, which often dwarf the visa fee itself.
Can I get permanent residency with the L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager) or the L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialized Knowledge)?: The L-1A leads to permanent residency in roughly 2 years, while the L-1B leads to permanent residency in roughly 5 years. If long-term settlement is the goal, weight the route with the clearer PR pathway more heavily.
Do the L-1A and L-1B need a job offer?: Yes. Both the L-1A and the L-1B require a job offer or employer sponsorship before you apply. Securing an eligible employer is the critical first step for either route.

Section 04

Read the full pathway