Direct Answer
For qualifying multinational organizations transferring certain employees whose knowledge is special or advanced in relation to the organization’s products, services, research, equipment, techniques, management, or processes. L-1B allows a qualifying organization to transfer an employee with specialized knowledge from a related foreign organization to a U.S.
Who This May Fit
- What L-1B is for: L-1B allows a qualifying organization to transfer an employee with specialized knowledge from a related foreign organization to a U.S.
- Specialized knowledge is not established by a job title: The petition should explain what the knowledge is, how the beneficiary acquired it, why it is special or advanced in the context of the organization, how it will be used in the United States, and why the U.S.
- Evidence can come from the business itself: Useful evidence may include training histories, internal systems or process documentation, project records, contracts, client or product responsibilities, reports, organizational charts, compensation records, patents or proprietary materials.
- The corporate relationship still matters: As with L-1A, the petitioner must establish the qualifying relationship between the U.S.
- How the process works: The U.S.
- Why strategy matters: The strongest L-1B cases translate internal company knowledge into a record an outside adjudicator can understand.
What the Case Needs
As with L-1A, the petitioner must establish the qualifying relationship between the U.S. The U.S. The strongest L-1B cases translate internal company knowledge into a record an outside adjudicator can understand.
- 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: Flexible $7,500-$10,000; Protected $9,500-$12,500, 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
Does “specialized knowledge” mean the employee must know a trade secret?
No. Knowledge does not have to be secret or proprietary, but it must satisfy the applicable “special” or “advanced” standard in the context of the organization.
Does the employee need a university degree?
A degree is not a universal L-1B requirement for individual petitions, although the employee’s education, training, and experience may be relevant to the claimed specialized knowledge and some blanket-petition rules differ.
Can L-1B be used for a new U.S. office?
Potentially. New-office L-1B cases have additional requirements, including premises and the employer’s ability to compensate the employee and begin doing business.
How long can L-1B status last?
The maximum period is generally five years, subject to the applicable rules and time already spent in L status.
Next Step
Use the Navigator for a preliminary path-and-fee estimate, or ask Lexagor Law to review the material facts and possible strategy.