Direct Answer
For qualifying organizations transferring certain executives or managers to a related U.S. entity, including appropriate new-office cases. L-1A allows a qualifying organization to transfer an executive or manager from a related foreign organization to a U.S.
Who This May Fit
- What L-1A is for: L-1A allows a qualifying organization to transfer an executive or manager from a related foreign organization to a U.S.
- The qualifying relationship must be documented: The U.S.
- The beneficiary’s role must be primarily managerial or executive: A senior title alone is not enough.
- New-office cases require a forward-looking operational record: For a new office, the petition must address premises, the business plan, capitalization, staffing and operational development, the foreign business, and how the U.S.
- How the process works: The U.S.
- How L-1A relates to EB-1C: L-1A is temporary; EB-1C is an immigrant classification.
What the Case Needs
For a new office, the petition must address premises, the business plan, capitalization, staffing and operational development, the foreign business, and how the U.S. The U.S. L-1A is temporary; EB-1C is an immigrant classification.
- 1. Confirm the threshold: identify the classification, filing route, petitioner or sponsor, and any timing issues.
- 2. Map the evidence: organize the record around each legal requirement and address material gaps.
- 3. Prepare and file: assemble the forms, legal presentation, exhibits, and response strategy for the covered filing.
Fees
Published Lexagor professional-fee range: Established office: Flexible $8,000-$10,500; Protected $10,000-$13,000. New office: Flexible $10,500-$15,000; Protected $13,000-$18,000, if accepted.
Both plans include the covered legal work and RFE or NOID response legal work for the covered filing. Government and third-party charges are separate. Final scope, fee, and Protected Plan availability require attorney review and a written Lexagor engagement agreement.
Common Questions
Can a foreign company use L-1A to open its first U.S. office?
Potentially. The new-office rules allow qualifying organizations to transfer an executive or manager to establish a U.S. office, subject to additional evidence and a shorter initial validity period.
How long can L-1A status last?
USCIS generally allows extensions in increments subject to the statutory and regulatory maximum, with a maximum period that can reach seven years for qualifying L-1A beneficiaries.
Does the U.S. company need a large staff?
There is no single employee-count rule that decides every case. USCIS evaluates whether the organization and role support primarily managerial or executive duties in context.
Can a business owner qualify for L-1A?
Ownership does not automatically disqualify a person, but the company relationship, qualifying foreign employment, U.S. role, temporary intent requirements, and other L-1 rules still must be established.
Next Step
Use the Navigator for a preliminary path-and-fee estimate, or ask Lexagor Law to review the material facts and possible strategy.