Does the L-1A require direct subordinates?

Not necessarily. What the L-1A requires is that the candidate genuinely holds an executive or managerial role, and having direct reports is just one way to demonstrate that, not a mandatory condition.

The category emphasizes decision-making authority and the scope of the candidate’s influence. In many cases, supervision is indirect, and the position can still qualify for the L-1A when it allows for meaningful decisions and a determining influence over the direction and strategy of the business.

Having direct subordinates tends to make it easier to establish a robust managerial function, but the core focus is on showing that the professional leads and manages the organization, whether through direct or indirect supervision. Each case is assessed based on the organizational structure and the actual duties performed.

• Direct subordinates help, but are not required.
• Indirect supervision can qualify if decision-making authority is present.
• Documentation must reflect the organizational structure and the actual role.

Because the assessment is case-by-case, it is worth checking the current requirements with USCIS and reviewing the position’s classification with a specialist before filing.

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.