Can I apply for an L-1 if the foreign company is in a different country from my nationality?

Yes, as a general rule it is possible. The L-1 is not tied to the nationality of the professional or to the country where the foreign company is located. What supports the visa is the relationship between the companies and the employee’s work history, not the passport they carry.

The points actually evaluated are:

• the existence of a qualified corporate relationship between the company abroad and the U.S. entity (parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate);
• the completion of a qualifying period of employment with that company prior to the transfer;
• the performance of managerial or executive duties or duties requiring specialized knowledge.

In other words, having a nationality different from the country of the foreign company does not, by itself, prevent the petition. Because each case depends on the corporate structure and professional history, it is worth verifying the current requirements with USCIS and confirming eligibility with specialized support.

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.