L-1 Visa and EB-1C Green Card: Which One You Should Apply?

Navigating U.S. immigration options for international executives and managers often raises one key question: Should you apply for the L-1 visa or go directly for the EB-1C Green Card? Both categories are tailored for multinational professionals, but each follows a distinct path, with different timelines, benefits, and long-term implications. Understanding the nuances of each route is key to selecting the option that best matches your business and immigration goals.

Understanding the L-1 Visa

The L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa is a non-immigrant category that allows multinational companies to transfer employees to their U.S. offices. To qualify, the applicant must have worked abroad for at least one year within the past three years in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge role.

This visa is well-suited for companies establishing a new office in the United States. It permits executives and managers to begin operations while maintaining ties with the foreign parent company. For those setting up new branches, the initial stay is usually limited to one year, with the possibility of extension upon meeting specific requirements.

The L-1 visa comes in two subcategories:

L-1A for executives and managers
L-1B for employees with specialized knowledge

L-1A holders can stay in the U.S. for up to seven years, while L-1B holders are limited to five years. Spouses of L-1 visa holders are eligible to apply for employment authorization, which adds flexibility for families relocating together.

Unlike many other work visas, the L-1 is not subject to annual quotas or lotteries. This is helpful for businesses seeking a more predictable planning process.

Transitioning to the EB-1C Green Card

The EB-1C Immigrant Visa for Multinational Managers and Executives serves as a direct pathway to permanent residency. Like the L-1A, it is reserved for high-level personnel who have worked for a qualifying foreign company for at least one of the past three years. However, the EB-1C is an immigrant category, meaning successful applicants receive a Green Card granting them permanent residency in the United States.

To qualify, the U.S. employer must have been doing business for at least one year and must have a qualifying relationship with the foreign company. The role offered in the U.S. must also be executive or managerial in nature.

An important feature of the EB-1C is that it falls under the first preference category, which generally experiences shorter wait times than other employment-based Green Cards. Additionally, no labor certification is required, making the process more streamlined.

That said, the documentation burden for EB-1C is considerably heavier. Petitioners must provide extensive documentation of the applicant’s managerial or executive capacity and demonstrate the qualifying corporate relationship between the foreign and U.S. entities.

Comparing the Two Options: Timing, Strategy, and Flexibility

When weighing L-1A against EB-1C, timing often shapes the choice. If your goal is to enter the United States quickly to launch or scale operations, the L-1A visa may be the more practical first step. It allows for swift relocation, and once the business is well-established, the L-1A holder can pursue an adjustment of status to EB-1C without leaving the U.S.

This two-step strategy offers flexibility:

Enter the U.S. on an L-1A to begin operations and strengthen your company presence.
Transition to EB-1C once your business meets eligibility standards and you are ready for permanent residency.

On the other hand, if your U.S. company is already well-established and fully operational, applying for the EB-1C Green Card from the outset may be a more efficient route. It bypasses temporary status altogether and secures a permanent foothold for both the applicant and their family.

For some, it is not a matter of choice but of readiness. If your company does not yet meet the documentation thresholds or operational history for EB-1C, starting with L-1A can serve as a temporary pathway until all requirements are met.

Application Requirements at a Glance

While both L-1A and EB-1C share certain eligibility criteria, there are key differences:

For L-1A:

At least one continuous year of employment abroad in the past three years
Qualifying relationship between U.S. and foreign company (parent, affiliate, branch, or subsidiary)
Applicant must be coming to the U.S. to work in an executive or managerial role
New U.S. office is allowed (with 1-year initial stay)

For EB-1C:

One year of employment abroad in the past three years (same as L-1A)
U.S. company must be operational for at least one year
More detailed evidence required regarding managerial/executive duties
Permanent role offer and long-term intention to reside in the U.S.

Both options allow for dependents to accompany the applicant under derivative categories. For L-1A, spouses and children under 21 can enter under L-2 status. Under EB-1C, family members receive Green Cards together with the principal applicant.

A Strategic Comparison

If your company is expanding into the U.S. market or relocating international leadership, choosing between the L-1A visa and the EB-1C Green Card can shape the direction of your immigration strategy. While both are designed for multinational managers and executives, each category serves different stages of mobility—temporary versus permanent—and carries its own procedural implications.

The table below highlights how these two categories align and diverge:

Feature	L-1A Visa	EB-1C Green Card
Purpose	Temporary transfer for executives/managers	Permanent residency (Green Card) for executives/managers
Initial Period of Stay	3 years (1 year for new office)	N/A (Green Card is permanent upon approval)
Maximum Duration	Up to 7 years total	Indefinite (with 10-year renewable Green Card)
Eligibility	1 year of employment abroad in past 3 years; managerial/executive role; U.S. company must be a qualifying entity	Similar requirement, but must prove ongoing operations and ability to pay wage
Application Type	Nonimmigrant visa (Form I-129)	Immigrant petition (Form I-140)
Processing Time	Weeks to months (premium processing available)	Typically longer; no premium processing
Family Benefits	Spouse and children receive L-2 visas; spouse can work	Spouse and children receive Green Cards; unrestricted work rights

Choosing between these two pathways depends not only on your company’s structure but also on long-term hiring and business plans. Reviewing both options side by side allows you to build a mobility plan that supports your growth across borders today and into the future.

Strategic Considerations for Businesses

Companies planning U.S. operations should evaluate their readiness and immigration objectives before choosing a path. Consider the following:

Is the U.S. entity newly established? L-1A may be the appropriate entry point.
Is permanent relocation the ultimate goal? EB-1C might provide a more direct route.
Does the foreign entity intend to remain active? Both categories require the overseas operation to continue.
Are you prepared to document corporate relationships and executive functions in detail? If not, starting with L-1A gives time to build a stronger case.

Each situation calls for an individualized strategy. While some employers begin with L-1A with the intention of later upgrading to EB-1C, others may prefer to pursue EB-1C immediately if conditions permit.

Choosing the Right Path

There is no single answer when deciding between the L-1A visa and the EB-1C Green Card. Your choice should reflect immediate needs, long-term business objectives, and your readiness to provide the required documentation. Timing, operational goals, and company structure all influence the decision-making process.

What remains constant across both categories is the opportunity to expand your global footprint, strengthen your U.S. operations, and secure permanent residency for your leadership team and their families.

At Grape Law, we work with multinational companies and executives to design tailored strategies for both L-1 and EB-1C filings. With deep experience in business immigration, a 97% approval rate, and a tech-forward approach, we are prepared to guide you every step of the way.

📩 For personalized assistance with your case, contact us at info@grapelaw.com. Let’s identify the best immigration route for your leadership team’s next chapter in the United States.