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Is there a maximum quota for L-1 visas within a company?

The L-1 has no annual cap and no limit on transfers per company, unlike the H-1B. What determines approval is meeting the eligibility criteria, evaluated case by case by USCIS.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 12, 2026
1 min read
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No. The L-1 is not subject to an annual visa cap, and there is no maximum number of transfers a single company can request. This sets it apart from categories like the H-1B, which operate under a numerical limit per period.

Because there is no cap on quantity, what determines each petition is meeting the eligibility criteria, evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The weight is on the quality of the case, not on the volume of requests.

  • Existence of a qualifying relationship between the overseas entity and the U.S. unit (parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch).
  • Proof that the employee performs the function the category requires, whether L-1A (executives and managers) or L-1B (specialized knowledge).
  • Consistent documentation of the employment relationship and role within the organization.

Each petition is reviewed individually by USCIS under current standards. Since the rules may change, it is worth confirming updated requirements with the official source or a qualified specialist before filing.

Learn more about L-1

Type
Intracompany transfer
Duration
1-3 years
Extension
Up to 5-7 years
Processing
2-5 months
All about L-1

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.

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Is there a maximum quota for L-1 visas within a company?

The L-1 has no annual cap and no limit on transfers per company, unlike the H-1B. What determines approval is meeting the eligibility criteria, evaluated case by case by USCIS.

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