Key Advantages
No Annual Cap
Unlike the H-1B, there is no lottery or annual limit for L-1 visas, allowing companies to transfer talent whenever needed.
Path to Green Card
L-1A holders (Executives/Managers) can often bypass the labor certification process (PERM) and apply for permanent residency via the EB-1C category.
Dual Intent
L-1 holders can legally seek a Green Card without jeopardizing their current non-immigrant status.
Spousal Work Authorization
Spouses of L-1 holders (L-2) are eligible for an EAD to work anywhere in the U.S.
Flexible Extensions
L-1A holders can stay for up to 7 years, while L-1B holders are granted up to 5 years.
The Lingtu Approach: Global Mobility Strategy
Lingtu Law plans the overall L-1 talent-transfer strategy for your business and prepares the supporting petition.
Organizational Structure Design
We help "New Office" L-1 petitions build a 1-year growth plan that ensures the company meets the requirements for a long-term extension.
Specialized Knowledge Mapping
For L-1B petitions, we work with your technical team to document the "proprietary" and "complex" nature of your personnel's knowledge to avoid common USCIS denials.
RFE Defense Strategy
Our fee structures are all-inclusive regarding RFE responses, providing peace of mind during the adjudication process.
L-1 Categories
L-1A: Executives and Managers
- For: High-level employees with the authority to make major decisions or supervise a professional team.
- Initial Stay: 3 years (1 year for "New Offices").
- Max Stay: 7 years.
L-1B: Specialized Knowledge Professionals
- For: Personnel possessing specialized, proprietary knowledge of the company's products, services, or internal processes.
- Initial Stay: 3 years.
- Max Stay: 5 years.
Eligibility Overview
Requirements
- Prior Employment: The employee must have worked for the foreign affiliate for at least 1 continuous year within the last 3 years.
- Qualifying Relationship: The U.S. company must be a parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch of the foreign entity.
- Active Business: Both the U.S. and foreign entities must be actively doing business for the duration of the L-1 stay.
Legal Fee Structure
Full Representation
Attorney assessment required
- A tailored quote is provided after the initial case assessment.
- The payment schedule is confirmed in the Legal Services Agreement.
- Includes: Lawyer-drafted Business Plan (scope determined after assessment), full evidence reconstruction, Petition Letter drafting, RFE response, and Consular interview coaching.
- Guarantee: one free re-filing if denied; a fixed flat-fee option covering case assessment, legal document drafting and RFE response (without free re-filing) is also available.
- Note: L-2 dependent representation is quoted after assessment.
Important Disclosures & Disclaimer
- Exclusions: Fees do not include USCIS filing fees, Premium Processing, translation, or courier costs.
- Reference Only: Final terms are governed by the signed Legal Services Agreement.
- No Guarantee: Fees do not constitute a guarantee or promise of a specific case outcome.
USCIS Official Filing Fees (Current for 2026)
I-129 Petition Fees
- Base Filing Fee: $695
- Asylum Program Fee: $600 (Standard) / $300 (Small employers)
- Anti-Fraud Fee: $500
Optional: Premium Processing Service
- Premium Processing Fee (Form I-907): $2,965
- Timeline: 15 business days
Consular Fees
- Visa Interview Fee: $205 (Paid to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate)
Timeline & Processing Overview
Preparation (2–3 Months)
Evidence gathering, drafting, and final audit.
USCIS Adjudication
Regular: 4–7 months · Premium: 15 business days
Visa Issuance
Once approved, you attend a consular interview (if abroad) or begin work immediately (if changing status within the U.S.).