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Are shared offices accepted for ‘New Office’ petitions?

Coworking spaces and shared offices can support an L-1 'New Office' petition, as long as the documentation proves a dedicated area and genuine operations. Learn what strengthens this type of filing.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 17, 2026
1 min read
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Yes, in many cases. For a ‘New Office’ petition under the L-1 visa, the key factor is not the type of real estate arrangement but proof that the company will have adequate physical space and genuine operations to support the intended functions in the United States.

A coworking or shared office address can satisfy this requirement, provided the documentation shows that a dedicated area is effectively reserved for the company’s activities. Having a contract or agreement that demonstrates the right to use the space and that the setup can support the operations described in the petition is especially helpful.

  • A contract or agreement proving the right to use the space.
  • Evidence of a dedicated area, not merely a mailing address.
  • Documentation showing the infrastructure supports the planned operations.

Each petition is evaluated individually by USCIS, and the strength of the supporting documentation matters. If you are unsure how to build this evidentiary record, consult the official guidelines or an immigration specialist before filing.

Learn more about L-1

Type
Intracompany transfer
Duration
1-3 years
Extension
Up to 5-7 years
Processing
2-5 months
All about L-1

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

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Are shared offices accepted for ‘New Office’ petitions?

Coworking spaces and shared offices can support an L-1 'New Office' petition, as long as the documentation proves a dedicated area and genuine operations. Learn what strengthens this type of filing.

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