Which U.S. government agencies are involved in the L-1?

The L-1 visa involves more than one U.S. government agency, each responsible for a different stage of the professional transfer process to the United States.

The USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) is the starting point: it reviews and approves the initial petition, in which the company demonstrates the qualifying relationship between the parent, subsidiary, or affiliate and shows that the position and the professional’s profile fit the category.

Next comes the Department of State, through U.S. embassies and consulates. This is where the applicant attends the interview and the visa is actually issued, following the review of supporting documents. Upon arrival, CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) reviews the documents at the port of entry and authorizes admission into the country.

Understanding this flow helps you organize each stage with the right documentation. Since procedures and requirements can change, it is worth checking the updated guidance on the official channels of these agencies and, if needed, seeking specialized support.

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.