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L-1 Blanket Petition

  • An L-1 Blanket petition is a faster, more efficient way for multinational companies to transfer employees to the United States under the L-1 visa category. Instead of filing a separate L-1 petition for each employee, qualifying companies can obtain a single “blanket” approval that covers multiple transfers.

     

    This process is ideal for companies that regularly move managers, executives, or specialized knowledge employees from foreign offices to U.S. locations.

  • The L-1 Blanket program is designed to simplify and speed up employee transfers for established multinational companies. Once approved, the blanket petition allows eligible employees to apply for their L-1 visas directly at a U.S. consulate, without waiting for USCIS to review an individual petition each time.

    1. Faster processing: Transfer timelines can be reduced from months to days or weeks.

    2. Lower long-term costs: Fewer individual filings can mean significant savings over time.

    3. Greater flexibility: Transfer multiple employees as business needs change.

    4. Better planning: Move employees when needed, without the uncertainty of repeated USCIS filings.

    5. Simpler process: No separate USCIS petition required for each employee.

    6. Consular convenience: Employees apply directly at a U.S. embassy or consulate, often avoiding USCIS delays and fees.

  • To qualify for an L-1 Blanket petition, the company must meet the following requirements:

     

    1. The U.S. company and its related foreign entities are actively engaged in real business operations (commercial trade or services).

    2. The company has maintained a U.S. office that has been doing business for at least one year.

    3. The company has three or more related entities worldwide, such as branches, subsidiaries, or affiliates.

    4. In addition, the company must meet at least one of the following thresholds:

      • Received 10 or more L-1 approvals within the past 12 months; or

      • Has U.S. entities with combined annual sales of at least $25 million; or

      • Employs at least 1,000 employees in the United States.

  • Employees transferred under the L-1 Blanket program must also meet specific criteria:

    1. They must have worked for a qualifying foreign company for at least one continuous year within the three years before entering the United States; and

    2. They must be coming to the U.S. to work in one of the following roles with the same company or a related U.S. entity:

      • Executive

      • Manager

      • Specialized Knowledge professional

  • The L-1 Blanket process happens in two main stages: first, the company obtains blanket approval; then, individual employees apply for their visas.

     

    Step 1: Filing the Blanket Petition

    The U.S. company files Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) along with the L Classification Supplement with USCIS.

     

    Government filing fees include:

    1. $1,385 filing fee (or $695 if the company has fewer than 25 employees or is a nonprofit)

    2. $600 asylum program fee (or $300 if fewer than 25 employees; $0 for nonprofits)

     

    Processing times:

    1. Standard processing is typically around 6 months.

    2. Premium Processing is available for $2,805, with a response in 15 business days.

     

    Once approved, USCIS issues a Blanket L approval notice (Form I-797). This approval covers all qualifying entities listed in the petition.

     

    Initial blanket approvals are usually valid for up to three years, and they can be extended, potentially indefinitely allowing for long-term or ongoing use.

     

    Although the blanket petition is approved in advance, each employee must still independently qualify for L-1 classification and is reviewed on a case-by-case basis at the consulate or port of entry.

     

    Step 2: Individual Employee Applications

    After the blanket petition is approved, individual employees apply for their L-1 visas at a U.S. consulate. Employees must qualify as either L-1A managers or executives or L-1B specialized knowledge professionals.

     

    The process generally includes:

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    1. Completing the DS-160 online visa application (for the employee and any accompanying family members).

    2. Creating an online account through U.S. Travel Docs or U.S. Visa Information Service (depending on the country), paying the visa fee, and scheduling the interview.

    3. Paying the $205 nonimmigrant visa fee per person (including dependents).

    4. Attending the consular interview and submitting Form I-129S, along with required supporting documents.

  • Canadian citizens do not need to apply for an L-1 visa at a U.S. consulate. Instead, they may apply directly at a U.S. port of entry or pre-flight inspection by presenting Form I-129S and supporting documentation to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

     

    If approved, the officer will endorse Form I-129S with the authorized validity period, allowing the employee to enter the United States in L-1 status.

     

    Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may apply for L-2 status, and spouses are eligible to work in the U.S.

  • The L-1 Blanket visa is a powerful option for multinational companies that regularly transfer employees to the United States. It reduces paperwork, shortens timelines, and provides flexibility—allowing companies to move key personnel when business needs arise, without starting from scratch each time.

The L-1 Blanket Petition allows qualifying multinational companies to transfer multiple employees to the U.S. without filing separate petitions for each individual. This program is designed for organizations with frequent cross-border transfers, helping reduce processing time, administrative burden, and long-term immigration costs while maintaining compliance with USCIS requirements.

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