The L visa category is used by international companies to bring foreign management-level employees to the United States. These aliens are considered "priority workers" in the first preference, which as 40,000 annual immigrant visas allotted to it.

Duration of Stay

An L-1 status alien may be admitted to the United States for the period of time required by the employer, up to a maximum initial period of stay of three years. The total period of stay may reach seven years for L-1A manager and executives, and five years for L-1B specialized knowledge personnel. In a change from the law exiting before the 1990 Act, additional periods of stay beyond these limits cannot be granted based on a showing of extraordinary circumstances.

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