L-1

Intra-company transferee visa. Employer transfers you from a foreign office to US office.

Two flavors: L-1A (executive/manager, up to 7 years) and L-1B (specialized knowledge, up to 5 years). Requires 1+ year of qualifying employment with the foreign affiliate before transfer. Common 'boomerang' pathway for laid-off H-1Bs: spend 1+ year at the foreign office of a multinational (often back in India, China, etc.), then re-enter the US on L-1. Spouses get L-2 with automatic work authorization.

Related terms

O-1
Extraordinary-ability work visa. No annual cap; renewable indefinitely.
H-1B
Specialty-occupation work visa. Initial term 3 years, extendable to 6 (and beyond, with mature I-140).

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This is an information-only tool, not legal advice. You are responsible for your decisions. When in doubt, consult an immigration attorney.