Do I Need DOL Approval for the L-1?

No. The L-1 does not require approval or a labor certification from the Department of Labor (DOL). This is a notable difference from other categories, such as the H-1B, whose process typically involves a step with the DOL.

The reason lies in the nature of the visa. The L-1 is grounded in the intracompany relationship between a parent company and its subsidiaries or affiliates, rather than in a test of the U.S. labor market. As a result, the review focuses on other points:

• The professional’s qualifications for an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge role.
• The qualifying relationship between the foreign and U.S. entities.
• The consistency of the transfer with the group’s overall operations.

Even without a DOL step, all other L-1 requirements must be met carefully. Since rules can change, it is worth verifying updated requirements with USCIS and seeking qualified guidance.

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.