The length of time you can stay on an L-1 visa depends on your specific category (manager/executive vs. specialized knowledge) and whether you’re working in a new U.S. office. Here’s a breakdown:
L-1 Visa Categories and Maximum Stays:
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L-1A (Managers and Executives):
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Initial stay: Up to 3 years
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Extensions: Possible in 2-year increments, with a maximum total stay of 7 years.
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L-1B (Specialized Knowledge):
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Initial stay: Up to 3 years
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Extensions: Similar to L-1A, possible in 2-year increments, with a maximum total stay of 5 years.
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New Office Openings:
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Employees opening a new U.S. office are initially granted a stay of only 1 year.
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Extensions are then based on the regular L-1A or L-1B category rules.
Blanket L Petitions (for Multinational Companies):
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Initial stay: Up to 3 years
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Extensions: Possible after the initial period.
Important to Remember:
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This is the maximum continuous stay. After reaching the limit, you’ll need to spend at least 1 year outside the U.S. before returning on an L-1 visa.
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Time spent on an L-1 visa counts towards the maximum stay on an H-1B visa (if you switch visa categories later).
Extending Beyond the Maximum:
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This may be possible by transitioning to a different visa category or obtaining Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status.
Stay Up-to-Date:
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Immigration regulations can change. Always refer to the latest USCIS guidelines or consult an immigration attorney for the most current information specific to your situation.
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