Can an L-1 visa be requested based on a franchise agreement?

Generally, no. The L-1 requires the transfer of a professional within the same corporate structure, meaning between a company abroad and a related entity in the United States (parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate) with a demonstrated ownership or control relationship.

A franchise agreement typically describes something different: a commercial arrangement between two independent companies, in which the franchisor grants the franchisee the right to use its brand and business model. That contractual link, on its own, does not create the ownership or control structure that the L-1 requires.

There are exceptions: if, behind the franchise, there is in fact a corporate ownership relationship or shared control between the foreign business and the U.S. entity, qualification may be possible. The typical franchise setup, however, rarely meets that requirement.

Because the analysis is highly specific and varies case by case, it is worth reviewing the structure with a specialist and checking the current criteria on the USCIS website before counting on the L-1 through this route.

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.