35 L-1A Visa Statistics Every Executive and Business Should Know in 2026

Comprehensive data compiled from USCIS reports, State Department records, and official government sources

Key Takeaways

• 97% approval rate makes L-1A one of the most reliable U.S. work visas – The L-1A visa for intracompany transferees maintains an exceptionally high approval rate, far exceeding most employment-based visa categories. Working with experienced attorneys through Alma's L-1A visa services can help ensure your petition meets all requirements.
• 66.86% of all L-1 approvals go to managers and executives – The L-1A classification dominates the L-1 program, confirming its critical role in transferring leadership talent to U.S. operations for multinational companies.
• Technology sector drives over 35% of all L-1A petitions – Custom computer programming services lead all industries in L-1A usage, followed by computer systems design and engineering services.
• Post-COVID recovery shows remarkable resilience – L-1 visa issuances rebounded 193% from 2021 to 2022, demonstrating sustained corporate demand for intracompany transfers despite global disruptions.
• Maximum 7-year stay provides long-term stability – L-1A visa holders can remain in the U.S. for up to seven years, with a clear pathway to EB-1C green card eligibility for qualifying executives and managers.
• 12,000 employers actively use the L-1 program annually – From Fortune 500 companies to emerging startups, thousands of organizations rely on L-1A transfers to build their U.S. leadership teams.

Understanding L-1A Visa Approval Rates and Requirements

1. The government approves 97% of L-1 petitions submitted each year. This exceptionally high approval rate makes the L-1A one of the most predictable employment-based visa categories. Unlike lottery-based systems, qualified applicants can move forward with confidence. Proper documentation and legal guidance—such as that provided through Alma's business immigration platform—further increases approval likelihood.

2. 66.86% of L-1 petitions were for L-1A classification in FY2019. The L-1A category consistently outpaces L-1B specialized knowledge petitions, reflecting corporate prioritization of executive and managerial transfers. This two-thirds majority demonstrates sustained demand for leadership mobility across multinational operations.

3. 95.35% of L-1A beneficiaries were classified as executives and managers in FY2019. Nearly all L-1A approvals properly align with the visa's intended purpose of facilitating leadership transfers. This high alignment rate suggests USCIS adjudicators are approving well-documented cases where managerial or executive duties are clearly established.

4. Consulates approved 95% of L-1s worldwide in FY2024. Beyond USCIS petition approval, consular processing maintains equally strong approval rates. This dual-layer success rate confirms that properly prepared L-1A cases encounter minimal obstacles throughout the immigration process.

5. 42% of L-1 petitions were for initial employment and 58% for continuing employment in FY2019. Extensions and transfers comprise the majority of L-1 filings, indicating strong retention within the program. Companies and employees clearly value the L-1A enough to maintain status through multiple petition cycles.

L-1A Application Process: Processing Times and Success Factors

6. USCIS approved approximately 30,000 L-1 nonimmigrant worker petitions in fiscal year 2019. This substantial annual volume demonstrates the L-1 program's importance to U.S. business operations. The 30,000 approvals represent successful transfers of critical talent across industries. Alma's guaranteed 2-week document turnaround helps companies meet aggressive hiring timelines within this high-volume system.

7. Premium processing delivers decisions within 15 days for a $2,805 fee. Companies with urgent staffing needs can expedite L-1A adjudication through premium processing. This predictable timeline eliminates months of uncertainty that standard processing can create. The additional fee often proves worthwhile for time-sensitive executive placements.

8. Nearly 50% receive RFE requests after initial filing. Request for Evidence (RFE) rates remain significant, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive initial documentation. Strong petitions proactively address common USCIS concerns about qualifying relationships and job duties. Working with experienced immigration attorneys helps minimize RFE exposure.

9. L-1B RFE rates were at 25% in 2025 for Quarter 3. While L-1B specialized knowledge petitions face substantial RFE rates, L-1A managerial/executive cases typically encounter fewer evidence requests. The clearer definitional standards for executives and managers contribute to smoother adjudication. This distinction makes L-1A the preferred pathway when applicants qualify under both categories.

10. L-1 denial rate averaged 30% between 2015 and 2021, compared to 5% for H-1B. Historical denial rates highlight the importance of proper case preparation, particularly for L-1B cases that drove this average higher. L-1A petitions with clearly documented executive or managerial responsibilities face significantly better odds. Companies should invest in thorough documentation to avoid becoming part of denial statistics.

L-1A to Green Card: EB-1C Pathway Statistics

11. L-1A visa holders can remain in the U.S. for a maximum of 7 years. This extended duration provides substantial time to establish U.S. operations and pursue permanent residence. The seven-year maximum exceeds the L-1B's five-year limit, reflecting the program's support for long-term executive placement. Most L-1A holders initiate green card processing well before reaching this limit.

12. L-1A holders qualify for EB-1C multinational executive or manager green cards without labor certification. Unlike EB-2 and EB-3 categories requiring PERM labor certification, EB-1C petitions proceed directly to I-140 filing. This streamlined pathway can save 12-18 months compared to PERM-dependent routes. Alma offers EB-1C legal services at transparent pricing to help L-1A holders transition to permanent residence.

13. The EB-1 category wait times are shorter than employment-based categories requiring labor certification. Priority date currency in EB-1C often outpaces EB-2 and EB-3 backlogs, particularly for applicants from countries with high demand. This faster processing makes L-1A-to-EB-1C a preferred corporate immigration strategy. Executives value the reduced uncertainty compared to multi-year PERM processes.

14. L-1A allows dual intent, permitting green card pursuit without jeopardizing nonimmigrant status. Unlike F-1 or B-1/B-2 visas, L-1A holders can openly pursue permanent residence. This flexibility allows executives to maintain valid work authorization throughout the green card process. The dual intent provision eliminates the risky status transitions that other visa categories require.

Comparing L-1A vs. H-1B: Statistical Analysis

15. L-1A has no annual cap, unlike H-1B's 85,000 annual limit. Companies can file L-1A petitions year-round without lottery uncertainty. This uncapped availability makes L-1A invaluable for planned executive transfers when candidates qualify. The predictable filing window contrasts sharply with H-1B's lottery-dependent uncertainty.

16. L-1A maximum of 7 years exceeds H-1B's 6-year limit. The additional year provides more flexibility for green card processing or business planning. Executives gain extended runway to complete permanent residence applications. This duration advantage compounds with the EB-1C pathway's faster processing.

17. L-1A requires one year employment abroad within the preceding three years. This prerequisite ensures beneficiaries have established relationships with the foreign entity. H-1B has no such requirement, making it accessible to candidates without prior company history. The foreign employment requirement makes L-1A unsuitable for external hires but ideal for internal transfers.

18. L-1 denial rates of approximately 30% between 2015-2021 compared to 5% for H-1B reflect different adjudication standards. However, well-documented L-1A cases for clearly qualifying executives achieve approval rates far above this average. Companies should view L-1A as the preferred pathway when candidates meet all requirements, working with attorneys who understand both visa categories.

L-1A Extension and Amendment Statistics

19. L-1A holders can extend status in increments of 2 years until reaching the 7-year maximum. Extensions allow executives to continue U.S. assignments without returning abroad. Each extension petition must demonstrate continued qualifying employment. Alma offers L-1 extension services at $3,000, including comprehensive documentation support.

20. 58% of L-1 petitions were for continuing employment in FY2019. Extension filings comprise the majority of L-1 workload, reflecting the visa's use for long-term assignments. Strong extension rates indicate that initial transferees successfully maintain qualifying employment. Companies clearly invest in retention after completing initial transfers.

21. L-1A holders changing employers must file new petitions demonstrating qualifying relationships between all entities. Unlike H-1B portability, L-1A transfers require complete new petition adjudication. The qualifying organization relationship must exist between the new U.S. employer and a foreign parent, subsidiary, or affiliate. This structural requirement limits but doesn't eliminate inter-company mobility.

Employer Statistics: Who Uses L-1A Visas

22. Approximately 12,000 employers filed L-1 petitions that were approved in FY2019. This broad employer base spans from global enterprises to growing startups establishing U.S. presence. The diversity of participating employers confirms L-1A's accessibility across company sizes. Alma's startup immigration plan helps emerging companies join this pool of L-1A sponsors.

23. The top 2% received 40% of total L-1 approvals in FY2019. Concentration among high-volume filers reflects the economies of scale large corporations achieve in immigration. However, the remaining 98% of employers still secured 60% of approvals, demonstrating access for smaller organizations. Mid-sized companies can compete effectively with proper legal support.

24. Tata had 1,542 petitions approved in FY2019. As the highest-volume L-1 employer, Tata demonstrates sustained demand for intracompany transfers in technology services. This single employer accounted for approximately 5% of all L-1 approvals. Such concentration highlights the visa's strategic importance for global IT services companies.

25. Tata received 8,206 petitions between 2015 and 2019, the greatest number among all employers. Five-year trends confirm Tata's consistent high-volume usage of the L-1 program. This sustained utilization reflects ongoing workforce mobility needs in technology consulting. Other major employers follow similar multi-year patterns.

26. Amazon had 455 petitions approved in FY2019, ranking third among all employers. Technology giants outside traditional IT consulting also rely heavily on L-1A transfers. Amazon's volume reflects the visa's value for e-commerce and cloud computing leadership. Diverse industry representation among top filers confirms broad program utility.

27. Infosys received 517 approved L-1 petitions in FY2019, ranking second overall. Global IT services companies consistently rank among top L-1 users. Infosys's substantial volume underscores the visa's importance for technology talent mobility. These employers have built sophisticated immigration programs to support transfer needs.

Industry Distribution: Where L-1A Visas Are Used

28. 35.8% of L-1A petitions were in Custom Computer Programming Services industry in FY2019. Technology dominates L-1A usage, with over one-third of petitions originating from software development companies. This concentration reflects the global nature of technology talent and multinational corporate structures. Companies in this sector have well-established transfer pipelines.

29. 30.3% of initial petitions were in Custom Computer Programming Services in FY2019. New U.S. office establishments and first-time transfers particularly favor the technology sector. Initial employment cases represent companies expanding into the U.S. market. Technology firms lead this expansion activity.

30. Computer Systems Design Services accounted for 6.6% of L-1A total petitions in FY2019. Beyond programming, systems design companies represent another significant L-1A user category. Combined technology-related industries account for over 45% of all L-1A petitions. This sectoral dominance has remained consistent across multiple fiscal years.

31. Engineering Services represented 2.9% of L-1A total petitions in FY2019. Non-technology industries including engineering demonstrate meaningful L-1A utilization. Professional services beyond software development benefit from the visa's flexibility. Diversification across industries confirms the program's broad economic impact.

Historical Trends and Growth Patterns

32. The L-1 workers grew 165.7% from 140,810 in 1997 to 374,234 in 2017. This dramatic growth reflects expanding globalization and multinational corporate structures. The more than doubling of L-1 workers demonstrates sustained demand for intracompany transfers. Long-term trends suggest continued program importance for U.S. business operations.

33. 1.5 million L-1 approvals occurred between 1997 and 2019. Cumulative approvals over two decades highlight the program's scale and impact. 1.5 million executive and specialized knowledge transfers have supported U.S. operations across industries. This volume represents substantial economic contribution from multinational talent mobility.

34. 84,532 L-1 visas were issued in 2007, marking a peak year pre-2008 recession. Pre-recession highs demonstrate the program's correlation with economic expansion. Corporate transfer activity directly reflects business investment cycles. Economic recovery typically brings renewed L-1A demand.

35. L-1 visa issuances dropped to 24,863 in 2021 due to COVID-19, then recovered to 72,958 in 2022—a 193% rebound. The pandemic created the lowest L-1 issuance volume in recent history. However, rapid recovery demonstrates sustained corporate demand for executive transfers. Companies resumed international mobility programs as travel restrictions eased, and services like Alma's business immigration platform helped organizations efficiently restart their transfer programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical approval rates for L-1A visa petitions?

The L-1A visa maintains a 97% overall approval rate, making it one of the most reliable employment-based visa categories. Consulates worldwide approved 95% of L-1s in FY2024. Well-documented cases with clearly established managerial or executive duties achieve even higher success rates. Working with experienced attorneys through Alma's immigration services helps ensure your petition meets all requirements.

How long does it usually take to process an L-1A visa application?

Standard L-1A processing typically ranges from several weeks to several months depending on USCIS workload. Premium processing guarantees adjudication within 15 days for a $2,805 fee. Companies with urgent executive placement needs frequently opt for premium processing to eliminate timing uncertainty.

Can an L-1A visa holder apply for a green card, and what are the statistical chances?

Yes, L-1A holders qualify for EB-1C multinational executive or manager green cards without requiring PERM labor certification. This streamlined pathway often processes faster than other employment-based categories. The 7-year maximum L-1A stay provides ample time to complete green card processing. Alma's EB-1C services help executives transition to permanent residence.

What are the main differences in approval statistics between L-1A and H-1B visas?

L-1A has no annual cap while H-1B is limited to 85,000 registrations annually through a lottery system. Historical denial rates averaged 30% for L-1 overall (driven primarily by L-1B cases) compared to approximately 5% for H-1B. However, L-1A cases with clearly documented executive duties typically achieve approval rates well above this average.

Are there specific statistics for L-1A New Office petitions, and what should I consider?

42% of L-1 petitions were for initial employment in FY2019, which includes new office cases. New office L-1A petitions are initially approved for only one year, requiring extension filings with evidence of business growth. 35% from technology sector represent initial employment filings. Alma offers L-1 Initial/New Office services at $6,000 with comprehensive documentation support.

How do Alma Immigration's services contribute to higher L-1A visa approval rates?

Alma combines experienced immigration attorneys with a technology-enabled platform that ensures comprehensive petition preparation. With a 99%+ approval rate across all visa categories and guaranteed 2-week document turnaround, Alma helps companies avoid the 50% RFE rate that affects poorly prepared petitions. The business immigration platform provides real-time tracking, compliance alerts, and proactive case management that reduces delays and improves outcomes.