L-1Intracompany transfers

The L-1 lets a company transfer employees from a foreign office to a U.S. office. L-1A covers executives and managers; L-1B covers employees with specialized knowledge. You generally need one year of qualifying employment abroad within the last three, and the U.S. and foreign entities must be properly related.

Often a fit for: Managers and specialists at multinational companies, including founders opening a first U.S. office.