Does the L-1 have an annual cap?

No. The L-1 visa is not subject to an annual cap. Unlike other work-based categories, it does not depend on a lottery or a fixed ceiling on approvals each year.

This is a notable difference from the H-1B, for example, which typically has an annual limit and a selection process. In the case of the L-1, the U.S. government does not set a maximum number of visas granted per year, which brings predictability for multinational companies that need to transfer employees on a regular basis.

This does not mean approval is guaranteed: each petition must still demonstrate that the category requirements are met, such as the corporate relationship between the entities and the transferee’s role as an executive, manager, or specialized knowledge worker.

Because rules can change, it is worth confirming the current conditions of the L-1 with USCIS or a specialist before planning the transfer.

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.