L1A vs. L1B: Key Differences and How to Choose
Hassan bro, it’s 2:55 PM in Lahore on January 22, 2026 and you’re probably right in the middle of this decision — should we go with L1A or L1B?
Very very common dilemma for companies and employees in Pakistan and the UAE right now.
Both are Intraompany Transfer Visas, both are part of the L1 family, both allow you to bring people from foreign office to U.S. office…
but the difference between L1A and L1B is actually very big — especially when you look at length of stay, extension possibilities and especially the green card path.
Let’s make it very clear and practical so you can choose the right one today.
Quick Overview – One Line Summary
- L1A → for managers and executives → longer stay → much easier green card → more expensive in terms of evidence needed
- L1B → for employees with specialized knowledge → shorter stay → green card much more difficult & longer → easier to prove (but still not easy)
Side-by-Side Comparison Table – Very Clear
| Question | L1A (Manager / Executive) Time | L1B (Specialized Knowledge) |
|---|---|---|
| Who is it for? | Managers + Executives | Employees with company-specific knowledge |
| Maximum total stay | 7 years | 5 years |
| Initial approval period | Usually 3 years (1 year for new office) | Usually 3 years (1 year for new office) |
| Extension period | 2 years at a time | 2 years at a time |
| Maximum number of extensions | Can reach 7 years | Can reach 5 years |
| Green card path | EB-1C – very good & fast | EB-2 / EB-3 – PERM + longer wait |
| Needs PERM labor certification? | No | Yes (usually) |
| Typical total time to green card | 1–3 years (if priority current) | 3–10+ years (especially for India) |
| Evidence difficulty | Much harder (must prove real management) | Medium (must prove knowledge is “special”) |
| Premium processing available? | Yes – 15 business days | Yes – 15 business days |
| L1A vs L1B visa processing time | Same | Same |
Most Important Decision Points – How to Choose Right Now
Choose L1A if…
- The person is really managing people / department / function
- Has real hiring / firing / budgeting / strategic decision power
- You want to keep the door open for green card on L1A (EB-1C) laterYou want to keep the door open for green card on L1A (EB-1C) later
- You want longer maximum stay (7 years instead of 5)
- You are willing to prepare very strong evidence of management (this is the hardest part)
→ Most smart companies that can justify it choose L1A whenever possible
Choose L1B if…
- The person is not managing people
- But has very deep, company-specific knowledge that is hard to find Examples: Knows proprietary software / algorithm inside-out, Knows very special manufacturing process, Has unique training on company’s internal system
- You cannot honestly prove managerial duties
- You need to move fast and evidence of management is weak
- Green card is not the main goal in the next 3–5 years
Green Card Reality Check – Very Important
| Path | L1A → Green Card | L1B → Green Card |
|---|---|---|
| Main category | EB-1C | EB-2 or EB-3 |
| Needs PERM? | No | Yes |
| Current backlogs (India) | Very small / almost current | Very large (10+ years) |
| Pakistan / UAE born | Almost always current | Usually current or small wait |
| Realistic time to green card | 1–3 years | 3–10+ years |
Very Fast Cheat Sheet – Choose Which One?
Ask yourself these 4 questions:
- Does the person manage other professional employees or manage an essential function at high level? → Yes → try L-1A → No → must do L-1B
- Is green card a serious goal in the next 3–5 years? → Yes → strongly prefer L-1A → Not really → L-1B is fine
- Can you prepare very strong evidence of real management? → Yes → go L-1A → Doubtful / weak → safer to do L-1B
- Is the U.S. office brand new? → Both possible → But L-1A new office petitions get watched more carefully
Bottom Line – What Most Smart Companies Do
If they can honestly justify it → they go for L-1A
Because:
- 2 extra years
- Much easier and faster green card
- Much better long-term position
If they cannot prove real management → they do L-1B and live with 5-year limit + harder green card path.
Your case?
- Is the person going to be a real manager/executive?
- New office or existing?
- Green card important or not?
Disclaimer:
Some content on this website may be created or assisted using AI technology and is provided for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, financial, or immigration advice. Please consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
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