Why in news?
A shift in U.S. immigration policy due to a significant fee increase on H-1B visas, prompting multinational tech companies to consider L-1 visas as an alternative for intracompany transfers. 
 
About L-1 visa
The L-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows multinational companies to transfer employees temporarily to the United States.
 
Key Points of L-1 Visa

• Eligibility: The employee must have worked for the foreign company continuously for at least one year within the last three years in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacity, and must be transferring to a related U.S. company (parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch).

• Types:
  • L-1A: For executives or managers. Typically involves overseeing significant operations or functions. Valid up to 7 years.
  • L-1B: For specialized knowledge employees who have advanced knowledge of the company's products, services, or proprietary processes. Valid up to 5 years.

• Employer Requirements: The U.S. employer must have a qualifying relationship with the foreign company, be actively doing business in the U.S., and offer a valid employment position.
• No Annual Cap: There is no limit on the number of L1 visas issued each year.
• Family Benefits: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can accompany the L1 holder under L-2 status. The spouse can apply for work authorization.

 Comparison between H1B Visa and L1 Visa
  

Feature	H1B Visa	L1 Visa
Purpose	Employment in specialty occupations	Intra-company transfer
Employer Sponsorship	US employer sponsors	Same multinational company with foreign & US offices
Eligibility	Bachelor’s degree or higher in relevant field	1 year employment with company abroad (past 3 years)
Annual Cap	65,000 + 20,000 lottery, recent fee $100,000	No cap
Validity	3 years, extendable to 6 years	L1A: 7 years, L1B: 5 years
Job Portability	Can change employers with H1B transfer	Must remain with same company
Prevailing Wage	Must be paid “actual” or “prevailing” wage	No specific wage requirement
Green Card Pathway	Through PERM labor certification (EB-2, EB-3)	L1A: Smoother EB-1C path, no labor cert
Dependents	H4 visa, spouses usually not eligible for EAD	L2 visa, spouses can get EAD
Payroll	Must be paid by US company	Can be paid by foreign or US company
Lottery	Yes, mandatory unless exempt	No lottery

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