Which form is used to apply for the L-1?

The form used to apply for the L-1 is the I-129, the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. The employer, not the employee, files this petition: in the L-1, the company acts as the petitioner and the transferred professional is the beneficiary.

Through the I-129, the company establishes the key elements of the transfer, such as:

• The qualifying relationship between the foreign entity and the U.S. unit (parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate).
• The nature of the beneficiary’s role, whether managerial and executive (L-1A) or involving specialized knowledge (L-1B).
• The consistency between the professional’s background and the position to be held.

The form is typically accompanied by supporting documentation that substantiates this information. Because requirements and attachments may change, the best practice is to confirm the current version and instructions for the I-129 with USCIS or with an immigration professional before assembling the petition.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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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.