The L-1 visa allows global businesses to move vital workers out of an overseas office to a U.S. office. It is divided up into a total of two categories: the L-1A visa for top executives and managers and the L-1B visa for those employees with very specialized knowledge. 

In order to qualify, the employee must have worked for the company outside of the U.S. for at least one continuous year within the past three years in a qualifying role; in addition, the U.S. office must exist as a branch, affiliate, parent, or subsidiary for the foreign company. The beginning validity of each L-1 visa spans from one to three years, contingent on if the U.S. office is newly established or already running. 

Extensions are available, and also L-1A holders are eligible for a maximum stay of seven years, with L-1B holders allowed up to five years. Different from a few other work visas, the L-1 visa still does not require any labor certification. Furthermore, it allows in addition for dual intent; this is meaning the holder can pursue permanent residency during time on the visa. Organizations also are able to take advantage of the L-1 blanket petition, which simplifies the process for repeated intra-company transfers.