L-1A Visa Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager

The L-1A Visa is a U.S work visa exclusively designed for executive employees for intra-company transfer.  For example, if Rahul is working for a company in India, and the management decides to transfer him to their U.S. branch.  Therefore, Rahul can apply for an L-1A visa. In this article, we will discuss the L-1A eligibility, the required documents, the application process, and frequently asked questions. 

Note:
All the information below is sourced from official USCIS and authentic US websites. And the article was reviewed and verified by our registered visa consultants.

Who is eligible for the L-1A visa from India?

  • An executive or manager has more than 1 year of work experience.
  • You should be transferred from your parent company.
  • There are no minimum salary restrictions.
  • Indian citizens and any foreign citizen are eligible to apply for an L-1A visa.

Who can apply for an L-1A Visa?

  • Executives
  • Managers 
  • Operation Managers  
  • Supervisors

L-1A Visa Requirements for Indian Applicants

  • The Indian applicant should be working in a U.S.-origin company. 
  • The applicant should have executive and managerial capacity.
  • The applying company must have a parent, subsidiary or affiliate company in the U.S. 

What documents are required for the L-1A visa in 2026? 

U.S. Company Documents 

  • Company Registration (Articles of Incorporation)
  • Business License
  • Tax Returns (if available)
  • Organizational Chart (showing managerial structure)
  • Office Lease Agreement (U.S. office address)
  • Financial statements (Bank-related)
  • Proof of active business operations (purchase orders, client contracts, invoices)
  • Employer Support Letter explaining:
  • Transfer reason
  • Job role
  • Qualifications
  • Company relationship papers

Documents Required From the Employee (You)

  • Valid passport
  • Resume/CV
  • Appointment letter from the foreign company
  • Experience letter
  • Salary slips for 12 months
  • Bank statements showing salary deposits
  • Proof of continuous 1-year employment with the company (must be within the last 3 years)
  • Your role description (duties, responsibilities)
  • Education certificates
  • Passport-size photos
  • Form DS-160 (for visa interview)

What is a Form I-129 filing for an L-1 Visa? 

The U.S company that transfers an employee must file an I-129 form. This serves as evidence to show the relationship between the Indian and U.S companies and the particular employee. 

How long does the L-1A visa take to get approved in 2026?

L1- A Visa processing time (Regular)

3-6 months

L1- A Visa processing time (Premium)

45 days Maximum

L-1A Visa Fees & Cost Breakdown (USCIS Fee)

Process

Fee (INR) Approximately Calculated

Form I-129 Filing Fee

41,059

Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee

44,629

Premium Processing Fee (Optional)

2,503,72

Visa attorney fees 

40,000 - 60,000

Medical Exam fees

8000 to 40,000

Note

  • These are approximate calculations of US dollars.
  • Visa stamping fee may be extra.
  • This table is for easy reference. 

At Croyez, our senior L-1A visa consultant solves all your doubts, and they can tell the exact processing fee. 

How to I apply for the L-1A visa from India?

Usually, the L-1A visa process is handled by the employer rather than the individual applicant. Below are the steps involved:

Step 1 — Employer files Form I-129

The employer must file Form I-129 (Petition for a Non-immigrant Worker) with USCIS to initiate the L-1A visa process.

Step 2 — USCIS reviews the petition

USCIS reviews the completed petition and may request additional evidence if required.

Step 3 — Employee applies after approval

Once USCIS approves the petition, the employee (applicant) can begin the visa application process from India.

Step 4 — Submit DS-160 form

The applicant must complete and submit the DS-160 (Online Non-immigrant Visa Application) form.

Step 5 — Wait for visa processing

After submission of all visa documents, the applicant must wait for the consulate's decision on the L-1A visa.

What is the DS-160 form in L-1A Visa? 

DS-160 is an online form on the State Department website (US). This form will have your information, travel purpose, employment history and more. The information in the form plays a major role in your embassy interview. Be careful about the application. The fee for DS-160 would be around 18,000 for an intra-company transferee. 

L-1A Visa Approval Tips (Industry Insights)

These are the basic tips for the L-1A Visa application. Your immigration consultant will handle the technical background work.

  1. Determine Eligibility for L-1A Visa
  2. File the L-1A Visa Petition with USCIS
  3. Understand L-1A Visa Processing Timeline
  4. Attend the L-1A Visa Interview
  5. Get to know L-1A Visa Fees and Associated Costs
  6. Hire Croyez for your smooth immigration journey. 

Top 2 Reasons for the Refusals of the L-1A Visa

 As this is a company transfer, your company will approach an L-1A Visa consultant. But make sure, as an applicant, you are aware of the process. 

  • Failure to meet the required USCIS standards. 
  • Incorrect or mismatched details in the evidence certificate.

Can I get the Green Card through an L-1A Visa?

Yes. You can apply for a green card in the first year itself.  An L-1A visa does not need a tie to home proof. There will be no penalty. 

Difference between L-1A and L1B Visa

Topic

L-1A Visa

L-1B Visa

Validity of Visa

Allows for a seven-year immigration status.

Maximum 5 years of validity.

For whom? 

For manager and executive roles. 

For individuals with specialised knowledge. (Scientists, Researchers)

Eligibility

At least one year of experience in the last three years.

At least one year of experience with in-demand skills for the US. 

Green Card 

Smooth process towards a green card through

EB-1C visa

Longer processing time with the EB-2 or EB-3 route. 

How to switch L-1A Visa to Green Card (EB1C Pathway)

  • EB1C is the easiest way to get a green card.
  • Ensure your role qualifies as an executive or managerial position.
  • Verify whether your U.S. company can sponsor your green card.
  • Applicant must file an I-140 under the EB1C classification.
  • Check your priority status; it should be current for faster processing. 
  • Upon approval, you will receive a green card. 

What are the benefits of a Green Card in the US? 

A green card comes with the following benefits:

  • Work freedom without visa restrictions
  • You can live anywhere in America. ( permanent residency)
  • You can sponsor and bring your family with a green card.
  • Access to quality education and scholarships in the US.
  • You become a citizen so that you can enjoy the rights of the U.S. 
  • Access to Legal protection in the country.
  • You are eligible for retirement benefits.
  • A green card comes with property and investment freedom.

You Need Assistance? - You Need a Croyez Immigration Consultant for an L-1A US Visa

Recently, a popular exporting company in Chennai approached us for an intra-company transfer. They want to send their Operations executive, Mr Rahul, to their U.S branch. So the manager and Rahul visited our senior visa consultant. Our consultation was very exciting. Rahul asked more than 50 questions with enthusiasm. Of course, we cleared all his doubts, and they hired us.

We began with the basic assessment, did documentation, and collected documents from the exporting company; we verified the relationship status according to USCIS standards. Applied within a week because it’s an emergency transfer.

Thanks to our senior consultant for constant follow-up and quick processing. Obviously, we have a decade of experience in visa processing with a high success rate. Our transparent approach makes us stand out in the field. 
We are genuinely happy to help you. Reach out to us at 99962 99982.