O visto L-1, explicado de forma simples

What is the L-1?

The L-1 is for people who already work for a company outside the U.S. and are being moved to that same company's U.S. office. It could be the same business, a branch, a parent company, or a related company.

There are two kinds. The L-1A is for managers and executives. The L-1B is for people with special knowledge about the company's products, services, or systems.

Para quem é?

It is for employees a company wants to bring to the U.S. from abroad. You keep working for the same employer, just in a new country. A brand new company can also use the L-1 to open a U.S. office, with some extra rules.

O que você precisa para se qualificar

• You have worked for the company abroad for at least about one year in the last three years.
• The U.S. office and the foreign office are the same company or clearly related.
• Your role is a manager, an executive, or a specialized knowledge worker.
• The company will keep operating both abroad and in the U.S.

Quanto tempo dura e renovação

L-1A holders can stay up to 7 years. L-1B holders can stay up to 5 years. New office cases often start with a shorter first period, around one year, and can be extended after that.

Quanto custa

Como funciona o processo

1. Your company decides to transfer you to the U.S.
2. The company files the L-1 application for you.
3. The government reviews it and, if approved, issues the L-1.
4. If you are abroad, you get a visa stamp at a U.S. consulate.
5. You enter the U.S. and start your role.

Pode levar a um green card?

Yes, and the L-1A is one of the smoother paths. Managers and executives often move to the EB-1C green card, which does not require a labor test. The L-1 allows dual intent, so working toward a green card does not hurt your status.

Erros comuns a evitar

• Not having a full year of work abroad with the company.
• A weak or unclear link between the U.S. and foreign offices.
• Calling a role "managerial" when it is really hands-on work.
• For L-1B, not showing what makes your knowledge truly special.

Is the L-1 right for you?

If you already work for a company with offices in more than one country and they want you in the U.S., the L-1 is a strong fit. It skips the lottery and, for managers, lines up nicely with a green card. If your situation is different, comparing it with the H-1B or O-1 can help.

Nailing your L-1 interview

Here is what the L-1 interview looks like and how to walk in ready.

The L-1 moves you within the same company group. The officer checks that the US and foreign entities have a real, qualifying relationship, that you worked abroad for the company for at least one year, and that your role here is managerial, executive, or specialized.

Novidade para 2026: nas entrevistas no consulado, os oficiais agora também fazem a todos os candidatos duas perguntas curtas sobre se você já sofreu algum dano no passado e se teme voltar para casa. Responda com honestidade e de forma breve; é uma pergunta padrão, não uma armadilha.

Perguntas que os oficiais costumam fazer

• What does your company do, both here and abroad?
• What was your role abroad, and for how long?
• What will you do at the US office, and who will you manage or what special knowledge do you bring?
• How are the two companies related?
• For a brand-new US office, what are the business and hiring plans?

Antes de ir, o básico

• Marque com antecedência e chegue cedo, e leve todos os documentos listados na sua carta de agendamento, além do seu passaporte e da página de confirmação do DS-160 ou DS-260.
• Conheça o seu próprio processo: suas respostas em voz alta devem corresponder, em essência, ao que você escreveu na sua aplicação.
• Responda apenas o que for perguntado, em uma ou duas frases claras, e então pare; não ofereça informações a mais.
• Seja honesto sobre tudo, inclusive recusas ou permanências além do prazo no passado; uma pequena verdade é sempre mais segura do que uma mentira descoberta.
• Leve seus documentos organizados e fáceis de entregar, mas espere o oficial pedir antes de tirar qualquer coisa.
• Fale por você mesmo com palavras simples; você não precisa de um inglês perfeito nem precisa decorar um roteiro.
• Mantenha a calma e a educação mesmo que o oficial seja ríspido; a maioria das entrevistas dura apenas de dois a cinco minutos.
• Vista-se de forma cuidada e trate isso como um compromisso sério, porque a primeira impressão se forma rápido.
• Não leve celulares ou bolsas que você não possa deixar guardadas, e nunca ofereça dinheiro ou presentes de qualquer tipo.
• Se você não entender uma pergunta, não há problema em pedir ao oficial que a repita.

Perguntas frequentes

Do I have to work for the company first?

Yes. You need about one year of work with the company abroad within the last three years before you transfer.

What is the difference between L-1A and L-1B?

L-1A is for managers and executives. L-1B is for workers with special knowledge of the company. L-1A allows a longer stay and a smoother green card path.

Can my family come with me?

Yes. Your spouse and children under 21 can come on L-2 status, and your spouse can usually work.

Can a startup use the L-1?

Yes. A company can use the L-1 to send someone to open a new U.S. office. These new office cases have extra proof requirements and often a shorter first approval.