Can I apply for L-1 if I own a business abroad?

Yes, owning a business abroad does not, by itself, disqualify you from petitioning for L-1. The category is designed for the intracompany transfer of executives, managers, or specialized knowledge professionals, and a business owner can qualify when the corporate structure meets the required criteria.

The key element is the qualifying corporate relationship: the foreign company and the U.S. entity must be formally connected through common control, in a relationship such as parent and subsidiary, branch, or affiliate. That connection is what gives the transfer its legal foundation.

You will also typically need to show that you performed executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge duties at the foreign company for a qualifying period, and that the U.S. operation will have genuine business activity. When a new U.S. office is involved, the documentation on the viability of the business tends to be more detailed.

Because the criteria and periods required vary case by case, confirm the current requirements with USCIS or a qualified specialist before filing.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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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.