U.S. citizen entrepreneurs who own businesses abroad or manage multinational operations often ask: Can I transfer employees from my foreign business to the United States under the L-1 visa category, even if I’m a U.S. citizen? The short answer is yes — provided the business meets the requirements for a qualifying relationship between the U.S. and foreign entities.
The L-1 visa is a powerful tool for companies expanding into the U.S., and it remains one of the most direct and practical pathways for intracompany transfers. This article breaks down the L-1A, L-1B, and L-1 Blanket options — and how U.S. citizen business owners can take advantage of them.
The L-1 Visa Overview: Executive, Managerial, and Specialized Transfers
The L-1 visa category allows companies with offices outside the United States to transfer key employees to a U.S. office. To qualify, there must be a qualifying corporate relationship between the foreign and U.S. businesses (parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch), and the employee must have worked abroad for at least one continuous year in the past three years.
There are two main categories:
L-1A – For Executives and Managers
Ideal for senior staff in leadership roles who direct teams or company operations. L-1A visas are often used when opening a new U.S. office and may lead to a green card under the EB-1C category for multinational executives.
L-1B – For Specialized Knowledge Employees
This category supports the transfer of employees with advanced knowledge of the company’s products, services, proprietary methods, or procedures. L-1B visas are capped at five years and do not directly qualify for EB-1C sponsorship but may support other green card paths.
Can a U.S. Citizen Own the Company?
Yes. U.S. citizens can own or control either the U.S. or foreign business, as long as:
- The two entities maintain a qualifying corporate relationship.
- The U.S. citizen does not serve as the sole manager of both entities, as that may create an appearance of a non-independent relationship.
- Day-to-day operations are handled by local management teams to show genuine separation between the U.S. and foreign branches.
Ownership by a U.S. citizen is not a disqualifier for L-1 eligibility — but immigration officers will closely examine the structure and control of both companies to ensure compliance.
L-1 Blanket: A Streamlined Option for Larger Multinational Companies
For larger companies with frequent L-1 filings, the L-1 Blanket Petition is a valuable option. This pre-approved petition allows qualifying employees to apply directly at a U.S. consulate without needing individual USCIS approval for each transfer.
Blanket Eligibility Includes:
- A U.S. company with at least three or more branches, subsidiaries, or affiliates abroad.
- A combined workforce of 1,000+ employees worldwide, or
- At least $25 million in U.S. sales, or
- 10 or more L-1 approvals within the past year.
Once the L-1 Blanket is approved, eligible employees can be transferred faster and more efficiently — which is especially useful for U.S. citizen-owned multinationals that operate in high-volume, global markets.
Practical Tips for U.S. Citizens Using L-1
- Maintain proper corporate records showing independent operation and control between the U.S. and foreign entities.
- Make sure foreign employment history is well documented, including pay records and job descriptions.
- When opening a new office in the U.S., prepare a detailed business plan, lease agreements, and proof of U.S. operations.
- Avoid excessive overlap in ownership and control, which may raise red flags.
Final Word: Strategic Growth With the Right Visa
Whether you’re a U.S. citizen expanding your foreign business into the U.S. or operating a multinational enterprise with American ownership, the L-1 visa offers a strategic route to build your workforce and strengthen your operations.
Need help filing an L-1A, L-1B, or Blanket petition?
NPZ Law Group works with companies around the world — including those led by U.S. citizens — to prepare strong L-1 visa applications. Contact us to schedule a consultation and develop your expansion strategy with confidence.
Contact Information
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.