<div class="vt" data-vt-cat="work-visas" data-vt-code="L-1B"> <div class="vt-crumbs"><nav class="vt-wrap" aria-label="Breadcrumb"><a href="/">Home</a><span>›</span><a href="/work-visas">Work & business</a><span>›</span><span>L-1B</span></nav></div> <section class="vt-dhead"><div class="vt-wrap"> <div class="vt-badges"><span>Nonimmigrant</span><span>Employment-based</span><span>Dual intent</span><span>No annual cap</span><span>Form I-129</span></div> <h1><span>L-1B</span> Intracompany Transferee — Specialized Knowledge</h1> <p class="vt-lede">For employees with specialized knowledge of a multinational company’s products, processes or procedures who are transferring to its related U.S. company.</p> <div class="vt-dmeta"><span>Last reviewed <strong>Oct 1, 2026</strong></span><span>Sources: USCIS · eCFR · Federal Register</span><a href="/corrections?page=/visa/l-1b">Report an error</a></div> </div></section> <section class="vt-dbody"> <nav class="vt-jump" aria-label="On this page"><a href="#overview">Overview</a><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a><a href="#duration">Duration</a><a href="#fees">Fees</a><a href="#processing">Processing</a><a href="#steps">Steps</a><a href="#documents">Documents</a><a href="#dependents">Dependents</a><a href="#greencard">Green card</a><a href="#related">Related</a><a href="#faq">FAQ</a><a href="#sources">Sources</a><a href="#changes">Changes</a></nav> <nav class="vt-toc" aria-label="On this page"><div class="h">On this page</div><ul><li><a href="#overview">Overview</a></li><li><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a></li><li><a href="#duration">Duration & extensions</a></li><li><a href="#fees">Fees</a></li><li><a href="#processing">Processing time</a></li><li><a href="#steps">Application steps</a></li><li><a href="#documents">Required documents</a></li><li><a href="#dependents">Dependents & family</a></li><li><a href="#greencard">Path to a green card</a></li><li><a href="#related">Related visas</a></li><li><a href="#faq">Common questions</a></li><li><a href="#sources">Official sources</a></li><li><a href="#changes">Recent changes</a></li></ul></nav> <article class="vt-art"> <div class="vt-glance"><h2>At a glance</h2><dl><div><dt>Initial period of stay</dt><dd>Up to 3 years (1 year for a new office)</dd></div><div><dt>Extensions</dt><dd>Up to 2 years at a time</dd></div><div><dt>Maximum stay</dt><dd>5 years</dd></div><div><dt>Prior employment abroad</dt><dd>1 continuous year within the last 3</dd></div><div><dt>Annual cap</dt><dd>None</dd></div><div><dt>USCIS filing fee</dt><dd>$1,385 ($695 small employer or nonprofit)</dd></div></dl></div> <div class="vt-callout"><strong>New fee rule for extensions.</strong> Since <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sept. 9, 2026</a>, employers with 50 or more U.S. employees, more than half of them in H-1B or L status, must pay the $4,500 9-11 Biometric Fee on every L-1 extension petition. Petitions filed on or after Nov. 9, 2026 must use the <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-129" target="_blank" rel="noopener">09/09/26 edition of Form I-129</a>.</div> <h2 id="overview" class="s">Overview</h2> <p class="b">The L-1B classification lets a multinational company transfer an employee with <strong>specialized knowledge</strong> to its U.S. parent, branch, subsidiary or affiliate. Specialized knowledge means special knowledge of the company’s product, service, research, equipment, techniques, management or other interests and how they apply in international markets, or an advanced level of knowledge or expertise in the company’s processes and procedures (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/part-214/section-214.2#p-214.2(l)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 214.2(l)(1)(ii)(D)</a>).</p> <p class="b">The employee must have worked for the related company abroad for one continuous year within the three years before admission. L-1B workers can also be sent to help open a new U.S. office. Under a blanket L petition, L-1B is available only to <strong>specialized knowledge professionals</strong>, meaning employees who are also members of the professions.</p> <p class="b">Like L-1A, L-1B is dual intent: pursuing a green card does not by itself prevent L-1 approval, extension or admission (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/part-214/section-214.2#p-214.2(l)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 214.2(l)(16)</a>). The total stay is shorter, at 5 years.</p> <h2 id="qualify" class="s">Who qualifies</h2> <h3 class="s">The employer must</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Have a qualifying relationship with the foreign company: parent, branch, subsidiary or affiliate.</li><li>Be doing business both in the U.S. and in at least one other country (directly or through a qualifying organization) for the whole L-1 stay.</li><li>For a new office, show it has secured physical premises and has the financial ability to pay the employee and begin doing business.</li></ul> <h3 class="s">The employee must</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Have worked for the qualifying organization abroad for one continuous year within the three years immediately before admission.</li><li>Be coming to provide services in a specialized knowledge capacity, as defined above.</li><li>For blanket L: also be a member of the professions (a “specialized knowledge professional”).</li></ul> <h2 id="duration" class="s">Duration & extensions</h2> <table class="vt-kv"><tbody><tr><th scope="row">Initial period</th><td>Up to <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/l-1b-intracompany-transferee-specialized-knowledge" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3 years</a>; up to 1 year for a new office.</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Extensions</th><td>In increments of up to 2 years.</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Maximum total</th><td><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/part-214/section-214.2#p-214.2(l)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">5 years</a> in a specialized knowledge capacity (time in H status also counts). After that, the worker must spend one year outside the U.S. before returning in H or L status.</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Promotion to manager</th><td>An L-1B worker promoted to an approved managerial or executive role can reach the 7-year L-1A limit after at least 6 months in that role.</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Grace periods</th><td>Up to 10 days before and after the petition validity period, plus one grace period of up to 60 days if employment ends early (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/part-214/section-214.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 214.1(l)</a>).</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Exception</th><td>The limit does not apply to seasonal or intermittent work, work totaling 6 months or less a year, or part-time commuters who live abroad.</td></tr></tbody></table> <h2 id="fees" class="s">Fees</h2> <p class="vt-feesintro">The U.S. employer pays the USCIS petition fees. Visa fees are paid by each applicant at the consulate. Amounts below are from the USCIS fee schedule (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Form G-1055, edition 10/01/26</a>) and the <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/part-22/section-22.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">State Department fee schedule</a>.</p> <div class="vt-scroll"><table class="vt-fees"><thead><tr><th>Fee</th><th class="amt">Amount</th><th>Who pays</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody> <tr><td>Form I-129 filing fee (L petition)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$1,385</a></td><td>Employer</td><td>$695 for small employers (25 or fewer full-time-equivalent U.S. employees) and nonprofits. The same fee applies to blanket L petitions.</td></tr> <tr><td>Asylum Program Fee</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$600</a></td><td>Petitioner</td><td>$300 for small employers (25 or fewer full-time-equivalent U.S. employees); $0 for nonprofits.</td></tr> <tr><td>Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$500</a></td><td>Employer</td><td>Due on an initial L petition or a change of employer. Under a blanket petition, it is paid at the consulate with Form I-129S (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/part-22/section-22.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">22 CFR 22.1, item 25</a>). Cannot be waived.</td></tr> <tr><td>9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee (Pub. L. 114-113)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$4,500</a></td><td>Employer</td><td>Only for employers with 50 or more U.S. employees, more than half of them in H-1B or L status. It now applies to extensions as well (<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rule effective Sept. 9, 2026</a>). Applies through Sept. 30, 2027. For blanket L visa applicants, the consulate collects it from the principal applicant (<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">State Department fee page</a>).</td></tr> <tr><td>Premium processing (Form I-907, optional)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$2,965</a></td><td>Petitioner</td><td>Optional. USCIS acts within 15 business days. The fee has applied since <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/12/2026-00321/adjustment-to-premium-processing-fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">March 1, 2026</a>.</td></tr> <tr><td>Visa application (MRV) fee</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/part-22/section-22.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$205</a></td><td>Applicant</td><td>Per person, for H, L, O, P, Q and R visas, including each L-2 family member applying abroad. Not needed for visa-exempt Canadians.</td></tr> <tr><td>Visa issuance (reciprocity) fee</td><td class="amt">Varies</td><td>Applicant</td><td>Charged only to some nationalities, based on reciprocity; many pay nothing.</td></tr> </tbody></table></div> <p class="vt-foot">Family members already in the U.S. who extend or change to L-2 status file Form I-539 ($470 on paper, $420 online). The Visa Integrity Fee (at least $250) created by Public Law 119-21 is not listed in the State Department fee regulation or on its <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">visa fees page</a> as of Oct. 1, 2026; DHS said on <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/22/2025-13738/uscis-immigration-fees-required-by-hr-1-reconciliation-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener">July 22, 2025</a> that it “will be implemented in a future publication.”</p> <h2 id="processing" class="s">Processing time</h2> <dl class="vt-cards"><div><dt>Premium processing</dt><dd>15 business days</dd><dd class="n">Optional, for an extra <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$2,965</a>. Available for individual and blanket L filings. The clock restarts if USCIS issues a request for evidence.</dd></div><div><dt>Standard processing</dt><dd>Varies</dd><dd class="n">Check current <a href="https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS processing times</a> for Form I-129 at the relevant service center.</dd></div><div><dt>Blanket L visa</dt><dd>Decided at the consulate</dd><dd class="n">Under an approved blanket petition, the consular officer reviews Form I-129S directly, with no separate USCIS petition for the employee.</dd></div></dl> <p class="b">L petitions are not capped, so they can be filed at any time of year. After approval, applicants outside the U.S. need a visa appointment; wait times vary by embassy. Visa-exempt Canadian citizens may present an L petition at certain land ports of entry and pre-flight inspection stations.</p> <h2 id="steps" class="s">Application steps</h2> <ol class="vt-steps"><li><span class="num">1</span><div><div class="tt">Document the specialized knowledge</div><div class="tx">The employer explains what knowledge the employee has, how it was gained, and why it is special or advanced compared with others in the company and the industry.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">2</span><div><div class="tt">File Form I-129 (or use the blanket petition)</div><div class="tx">The U.S. employer files Form I-129 with the L Classification Supplement and fees. Under an approved blanket petition, it completes Form I-129S, but only if the employee is a specialized knowledge professional.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">3</span><div><div class="tt">Optional: request premium processing</div><div class="tx">File Form I-907 for a decision within 15 business days.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">4</span><div><div class="tt">Apply for the visa</div><div class="tx">After approval, the employee and any L-2 family members complete Form DS-160, pay the visa fee and attend a consular interview.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">5</span><div><div class="tt">Enter and maintain status</div><div class="tx">CBP admits the worker for up to the petition validity, plus up to 10 days before and after. The employer files extensions before each approval expires, up to the 5-year limit.</div></div></li></ol> <h2 id="documents" class="s">Required documents</h2> <div class="vt-docs"><div><h3>From the employer</h3><ul><li><span>Evidence of the qualifying relationship and that both entities are doing business.</span></li><li><span>A detailed letter describing the specialized knowledge, the U.S. role and the duties abroad, with supporting evidence such as training records, internal tools or proprietary processes.</span></li><li><span>For a new office: proof of premises and financial ability to pay the employee and begin doing business.</span></li></ul></div><div><h3>From the employee</h3><ul><li><span>Valid passport and a confirmation page for Form DS-160.</span></li><li><span>Evidence of one continuous year of qualifying employment abroad.</span></li><li><span>Copy of the Form I-797 approval notice, or Form I-129S plus the blanket approval.</span></li></ul></div></div> <h2 id="dependents" class="s">Dependents & family</h2> <p class="b">The spouse and unmarried children under 21 may receive <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/l-1a-intracompany-transferee-executive-or-manager" target="_blank" rel="noopener">L-2 status</a> and stay for the same period as the L-1 worker.</p> <p class="b"><strong>Spouses can work.</strong> Since <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-manual-updates/20211112-EmploymentAuthorization.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nov. 12, 2021</a>, USCIS treats L-2 spouses as employment-authorized incident to status. Since Jan. 30, 2022, USCIS and CBP have issued spouses a Form I-94 with the class of admission <strong>L-2S</strong>. An unexpired L-2S I-94 is an acceptable <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-resources/handbook-for-employers-m-274/70-evidence-of-employment-authorization-for-certain-categories/79-other-temporary-workers/792-l-nonimmigrant-status" target="_blank" rel="noopener">List C document for Form I-9</a>. Spouses with an older I-94 marked “L-2” can show it together with the USCIS notice that identifies them as an employment-authorized spouse. An EAD is optional (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-10-part-b-chapter-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Form I-765</a>, $520 on paper or $470 online).</p> <p class="b">Children in L-2 status are not employment-authorized incident to status; only spouses receive the L-2S designation.</p> <h2 id="greencard" class="s">Path to a green card</h2> <p class="b">L-1B is dual intent, so the worker can pursue permanent residence while in status. EB-1C covers only managers and executives, so common routes for specialized-knowledge workers are employer sponsorship through PERM labor certification in EB-2 or EB-3, or EB-1C after a promotion to a managerial or executive role.</p> <div class="vt-gsteps"><div><div class="k">Step 1</div><div class="tt">Labor certification (PERM)</div><div class="tx">For EB-2 or EB-3, the employer generally obtains a Department of Labor labor certification first.</div></div><div><div class="k">Step 2</div><div class="tt">Form I-140</div><div class="tx">The employer files the immigrant petition ($715 on paper, $665 online, plus the Asylum Program Fee) per the <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS fee schedule</a>.</div></div><div><div class="k">Step 3</div><div class="tt">Adjust status or process abroad</div><div class="tx">When the priority date is current, file Form I-485 or complete consular processing.</div></div></div> <p class="b">The 5-year L-1B limit keeps running while a green card is pending, so the timing should be planned with that in mind.</p> <h2 id="related" class="s">Related visas</h2> <div class="vt-rel"><a href="/visa/l-1a"><div class="c">L-1A</div><div class="n">Intracompany transferee — executive or manager</div><div class="tx">For managers and executives; up to 7 years and a direct EB-1C green card route.</div></a><a href="/visa/h-1b"><div class="c">H-1B</div><div class="n">Specialty occupation</div><div class="tx">For degree-level roles; subject to the annual cap for most employers.</div></a><a href="/visa/e-2"><div class="c">E-2</div><div class="n">Treaty investor</div><div class="tx">Essential-skills employees of treaty-country companies may qualify.</div></a><a href="/visa/tn"><div class="c">TN</div><div class="n">USMCA professional</div><div class="tx">For Canadian and Mexican professionals in listed occupations.</div></a><a href="/visa/eb-2"><div class="c">EB-2</div><div class="n">Advanced degree / exceptional ability</div><div class="tx">A common green card path for L-1B workers.</div></a></div> <h2 id="faq" class="s">Common questions</h2> <div class="vt-faq"><details><summary>What counts as specialized knowledge?</summary><p>Special knowledge of the company’s product, service, research, equipment, techniques, management or other interests and how they apply in international markets, or an advanced level of knowledge or expertise in the company’s processes and procedures.</p></details><details><summary>Can L-1B be used under a blanket L petition?</summary><p>Only for specialized knowledge professionals, meaning employees with specialized knowledge who are also members of the professions. Other L-1B workers need an individual petition.</p></details><details><summary>How long can someone stay in L-1B status?</summary><p>Up to 5 years in total: an initial approval of up to 3 years (1 year for a new office) and extensions of up to 2 years at a time.</p></details><details><summary>Can the L-2 spouse work?</summary><p>Yes. L-2 spouses are employment-authorized incident to status, and an unexpired I-94 showing L-2S is acceptable evidence for Form I-9. An EAD is optional.</p></details></div> <h2 id="sources" class="s">Official sources</h2> <ul class="vt-src"><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/l-1b-intracompany-transferee-specialized-knowledge" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · L-1B Intracompany Transferee Specialized Knowledge</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/part-214/section-214.2#p-214.2(l)" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>eCFR</strong> · 8 CFR 214.2(l) — Intracompany transferees</span><span>ecfr.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Form G-1055, Fee Schedule (edition 10/01/26)</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>Federal Register</strong> · 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee for H-1B and L-1 Visas (final rule, Aug. 10, 2026)</span><span>federalregister.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-10-part-b-chapter-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Policy Manual Vol. 10, Part B, Ch. 2 — Employment Authorization for Certain H-4, E, and L Dependent Spouses</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · How Do I Request Premium Processing?</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/part-22/section-22.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>eCFR</strong> · 22 CFR 22.1 — Schedule of fees for consular services</span><span>ecfr.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-129" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li></ul> <h2 id="changes" class="s">Recent changes</h2> <ul class="vt-chg"><li><span class="d">Sep 11, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Proposed rule: eliminate the 60-day grace period.</strong> DHS proposed removing 8 CFR 214.1(l)(2), the up-to-60-day grace period after employment ends for E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-1B1, L-1, O-1 and TN workers and their dependents. This is a proposal only (comments close Nov. 10, 2026); the grace period remains in the regulation for now. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/11/2026-18631/eliminating-the-discretionary-60-day-grace-period" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Sep 9, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>New edition of Form I-129 (09/09/26).</strong> USCIS published a new Form I-129 edition. Petitions postmarked or electronically submitted on or after Nov. 9, 2026 must use the 09/09/26 edition; the 02/27/26 edition is accepted until then. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-129" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Aug 10, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>9-11 Biometric Fee extended to all L-1 extension petitions.</strong> Final rule, effective Sept. 9, 2026: covered employers (50 or more U.S. employees, more than half in H-1B or L-1 status) must pay the $4,500 fee on all L-1 extension petitions, not only initial petitions and changes of employer. Amended petitions that do not seek an extension are excluded. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jan 12, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Premium processing fee rises to $2,965.</strong> Inflation adjustment: the Form I-907 fee for I-129 petitions in L, O and P (and most other) classifications increased from $2,805 to $2,965 for requests postmarked on or after March 1, 2026. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/12/2026-00321/adjustment-to-premium-processing-fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Dec 16, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Proclamation 10998 expands entry restrictions.</strong> Effective Jan. 1, 2026, entry of nationals of additional countries was fully or partially suspended. Full suspensions cover nonimmigrant visas, including employment categories; partial suspensions cover B, F, M and J visas and shorten validity of other nonimmigrant visas. Limited exceptions apply. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/19/2025-23570/restricting-and-limiting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jul 22, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Visa Integrity Fee: not yet implemented.</strong> Public Law 119-21 (July 4, 2025) created a Visa Integrity Fee of at least $250 payable when a nonimmigrant visa is issued. DHS stated the fee “requires cross-agency coordination before implementing” and “will be implemented in a future publication.” <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/22/2025-13738/uscis-immigration-fees-required-by-hr-1-reconciliation-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jun 4, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Proclamation 10949 restricts entry from listed countries.</strong> Fully suspended entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants from 12 countries and partially suspended entry from 7 others, effective June 9, 2025. Later amended by Proclamation 10998. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/06/10/2025-10669/restricting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-united-states-from-foreign-terrorists-and" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jan 31, 2024</span><div class="x"><strong>USCIS fee rule sets separate I-129 fees and Asylum Program Fee.</strong> Effective April 1, 2024, Form I-129 fees vary by classification, with reduced fees for small employers and nonprofits, plus a new Asylum Program Fee paid by I-129 petitioners. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/01/31/2024-01427/us-citizenship-and-immigration-services-fee-schedule-and-changes-to-certain-other-immigration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Oct 20, 2023</span><div class="x"><strong>Sole proprietorships cannot petition for their owners.</strong> USCIS Policy Manual update: a sole proprietorship may not file an L-1 petition for its owner, because it is not a legal entity separate from the owner. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-2-part-l" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li></ul> <div class="vt-disc">This page is general reference material compiled from the official sources above and is not legal advice. Eligibility depends on individual facts; rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you file. VisaTypes.com is not affiliated with USCIS, the Department of State or any government agency. Spotted an error? <a href="/corrections?page=/visa/l-1b">Tell us</a>.</div> </article></section></div> <script type="application/ld+json">[{"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [{"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://visatypes.com/"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Work & business", "item": "https://visatypes.com/work-visas"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "L-1B", "item": "https://visatypes.com/visa/l-1b"}]}, {"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "What counts as specialized knowledge?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "Special knowledge of the company’s product, service, research, equipment, techniques, management or other interests and how they apply in international markets, or an advanced level of knowledge or expertise in the company’s processes and procedures."}}, {"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "Can L-1B be used under a blanket L petition?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "Only for specialized knowledge professionals, meaning employees with specialized knowledge who are also members of the professions. 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