United States of America · intra company
L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialised Knowledge)
Intracompany transfer for employees with specialised knowledge of the employer’s products, services, or processes.
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Overview
The L-1B allows multinational employers to transfer employees who possess specialised knowledge to a related US entity. Unlike L-1A, L-1B does not have a direct EB-1 pathway, so most L-1B holders transition to EB-2 or EB-3 for permanent residence.
Processing time
Regular: 2–6 months. Premium processing: 15 business days.
See source window: 2 months – 9 months →Government fees
I-129 base USD 1,385 (most employers), plus fraud prevention (USD 500) and asylum program fee (USD 600). Premium processing USD 2,805.
Typical duration
Initial 3 years (1 year for new-office L-1B); extendable to 5 years total.
Primary source
USCIS — L-1B Intracompany Transferee Specialized Knowledge · U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
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Eligibility
Typical criteria
At least 1 continuous year of full-time employment with the qualifying foreign entity in the prior 3 years.
The employee must possess specialised knowledge of the employer’s product, service, research, equipment, techniques, management, or other interests.
A qualifying relationship must exist between the foreign and US employers.
Common blockers
Knowledge characterised as general industry skill rather than employer-specific.
Off-site placements at third-party client locations without clear employer control.
Typical evidence
Detailed role description evidencing specialised knowledge.
Training records, projects, and proprietary methodologies.
Corporate relationship documentation.
Application pathway
Step 1
Confirm qualifying foreign employment
Evidence one year of specialised-knowledge employment abroad.
Step 2
File Form I-129 with L supplement
USCIS assesses specialised knowledge and corporate relationship.
Step 3
Consular processing
L-1B visa issued at US consulate.
Step 4
Plan PR pathway
Most L-1B holders pursue EB-2/EB-3 for green-card sponsorship.
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Related routes
L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Executive or Manager)
Intracompany transfer for executives or managers moving to a US office of a related multinational employer.
H-1B Specialty Occupation
Employer-sponsored non-immigrant visa for specialty occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher.
EB-3 Skilled, Professional, and Other Workers
Third-preference employment-based green card requiring employer sponsorship and PERM labor certification.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as specialised knowledge?
USCIS defines specialised knowledge as special knowledge of the petitioning employer’s product, service, research, equipment, techniques, or management, or an advanced level of knowledge or expertise in the organisation’s processes and procedures.
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