Can L-1 attorney fees be paid by the company or the employee?

With the L-1 visa, there is no single rule about who pays attorney fees. The costs can be covered by the sponsoring company, by the employee, or split between the two: it all depends on the agreement reached and each organization’s internal policies.

In most transfer cases, it is common for the company to cover these costs as part of its international mobility strategy. By taking on the legal expenses, the company demonstrates commitment to the process and helps keep each step better organized.

In other situations, the employee contributes a portion, as set out in the contract or negotiated between the parties. There is no right or wrong answer here, as long as the terms are clear to everyone involved.

The key is to negotiate transparently about who bears each cost and to put that in writing. If you have questions about the applicable rules, it is worth reviewing the official guidance and speaking with an immigration professional.

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.