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About the L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager)
The L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager) is United States's skilled worker visa programme and one of the most direct routes to permanent residence, typically achievable within 2 years. Allows multinational companies to transfer managers and executives to US operations. Strong path to EB-1C green card.
Applications are processed in 1–3 months on average. Government fees start at $1,385, and the visa is valid for 3 years.
To qualify, applicants generally need at least a Bachelor's degree and 1+ years of skilled work experience.
The L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager) is suited to work in tech, start a company.
Weighing United States against another destination? See how it stacks up on visa speed, cost, and permanent residency:
See how the L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager) stacks up head-to-head against related pathways:
Eligibility requirements
Key facts
Best for
Path to permanent residence
Can lead to PR in approximately 2 years.
Validity period
3 years
How to apply for the L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager)
- 01
Secure a qualifying job offer
Find an employer in United States willing to sponsor your L-1A application. The role must meet occupation and salary requirements.
- 02
Gather your supporting documents
Compile educational credentials (minimum Bachelor's degree), employment history, passport, and any certificates. Have foreign documents officially translated.
- 03
Submit your L-1A application
File online through the official United States immigration portal and pay the government fee of $1,385. Double-check all forms for errors before submission. Mistakes cause delays.
- 04
Attend biometrics and medical (if required)
You may be asked to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo) at an approved centre. Some visa categories also require a medical examination by an approved physician.
- 05
Receive decision (1–3 months)
Standard processing takes 1–3 months. Premium or expedited processing may be available for an additional fee. Avoid booking travel until you have a confirmed outcome.
Setting up a company for this visa
The following entity types are commonly used by applicants pursuing this visa in United States. Costs and timelines are estimates. Confirm with a local formation agent or lawyer before proceeding.
LLC
Limited Liability Company
None (state-dependent)
$50–$500 (varies by state; Delaware ~$90, Wyoming ~$100, California ~$70 + $800/yr franchise tax)
$300–$1,500
1–2 weeks
Flexible pass-through entity. Delaware LLC is the standard for VC-backed startups. Not suitable for C-Corp-requiring investors. Used by E-2 investors to hold the treaty business.
C-Corp
C Corporation
None (any par value; $0.0001/share is common)
$90–$200 (Delaware)
$500–€2,500
1–2 weeks
Required by most institutional VCs. Delaware C-Corp is effectively mandatory for Series A+ funding. Used for the L-1A/L-1B intracompany transferee visa when establishing a new US affiliate, and for the E-2 visa where a corporation structure is preferred.
Formation costs, timelines, and capital requirements change frequently. Always verify with an official source or a licensed practitioner in United States before making financial commitments.
What it costs
Attorney fees and document costs not included. Total spend is typically 2–5x the government fee.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main requirements for the L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager)?
A minimum Bachelor's degree, 1+ years of relevant work experience, A qualifying job offer from a United States employer
How long does the L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager) take to process?
Processing time for the L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager) is typically 1–3 months from the date a complete application is received. Timelines vary depending on application volume, the completeness of your documents, and whether additional checks are requested. Check the official United States immigration website for current processing times before applying.
How much does the L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager) cost?
The government application fee for the L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager) is $1,385 USD. Total costs (including legal fees, document translations, medical exams, and biometrics) typically run 2–5x the base government fee. Budget accordingly before starting your application.
Does the L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager) lead to permanent residence?
Yes. The L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager) is one of the pathways to permanent residence in United States. Eligible holders can generally apply for PR after approximately 2 years of qualifying residence. Conditions apply, so consult a licensed immigration adviser for your specific situation.
Do I need a job offer for the L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager)?
Yes. A confirmed job offer from a qualifying United States employer is required before you can apply for the L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager). The employer typically needs to demonstrate they could not find a suitable local candidate and must meet specific sponsorship obligations.