The L-1B nonimmigrant classification enables a U.S. employer to transfer a professional with specialized knowledge relating to the organization’s interests from one of its affiliated foreign offices to one of its offices in the United States. Like the L-1A, it also allows a foreign company that does not yet have an affiliated U.S. office to send a specialized knowledge employee to the U.S. to establish one.
The L-1B Visa allows for an initial stay of up to three years, extendable to a maximum of five years. The spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age of the L-1B visa holder may also seek admission under the L-2 nonimmigrant classification and are eligible for work authorization.
The petition for an L-1B visa must be filed by the U.S. employer with the USCIS. The application must include evidence to establish the specialized knowledge of the employee and the qualifying relationship between the U.S. and the foreign organization.