Comprehensive data compiled from USCIS reports, National Foundation for American Policy studies, and immigration law firm analysis
Key Takeaways
- Approval rates have reached 90-92.8% – USCIS approved 90% of L-1B cases in FY 2024, with approval rates climbing to 92.8% in the first half of 2025, making this an optimal time for intracompany transfers
- Denial rates dropped 70% from their peak – L-1B denial rates fell from 33.7% in FY 2019 to just 10.2% in FY 2024, reflecting a significant shift in adjudication standards
- RFE rates have been cut in half – Request for Evidence rates dropped from 55-58% during FY 2019-2021 to 25% in Q3 2025, reducing processing delays and uncertainty
- Specialized knowledge documentation is critical – 41% of all L-1B denials stem from unclear specialized knowledge claims, making precise documentation essential for approval
- No annual cap gives L-1B an advantage – Unlike the H-1B's 85,000 annual limit with only 20% selection odds, the L-1B visa has no numerical restrictions
Current L-1B Approval Rates & Trends
- USCIS approved 90% of L-1B cases decided in FY 2024. According to NFAP analysis, nine out of ten L-1B petitions received approval last fiscal year. This high approval rate reflects improved adjudication consistency and clearer guidance from USCIS on specialized knowledge standards.
- L-1B approval rates rose from 89.2% to 92.8% between the first half of 2024 and 2025. Maynard Nexsen analysis shows a 3.6-percentage-point improvement in approval rates year-over-year. This upward trajectory suggests continued favorable conditions for L-1B petitioners in 2025.
- The L-1B denial rate dropped from 25.3% in FY 2021 to 10.2% in FY 2024. This 60% reduction in denials over three years represents one of the most significant improvements in any employment-based visa category. Companies that previously hesitated to pursue L-1B transfers now face substantially better odds.
- Total adjudicated L-1B petitions increased from 5,618 to 7,182 between January-June 2024 and the same period in 2025. This 27.8% petition increase indicates growing employer confidence in the L-1B category. More companies are leveraging intracompany transfers to address specialized talent needs.
- L-1B denial rates fell progressively: 19% (FY 2022), 15.5% (FY 2023), and 10.2% (FY 2024). The steady year-over-year decline demonstrates sustained improvement rather than a one-time anomaly. This consistent pattern provides predictability for corporate immigration planning.
Request for Evidence (RFE) Statistics
- L-1B RFE rates dropped to 25% in Q3 2025. According to USCIS Q3 2025 data, only one in four L-1B petitions now receives an RFE. This represents a dramatic improvement from historical norms and reduces processing delays significantly.
- RFE rates on L-1B petitions ranged between 55% and 58.4% during FY 2019-2021. USCIS RFE data documented that more than half of all L-1B petitions received additional evidence requests during this period. The high RFE rate created uncertainty and extended processing times by months.
- RFE rates declined to 40.5% in FY 2022, then to 38.2% in FY 2023. The progressive reduction in RFEs reflects USCIS policy changes and improved petition quality across the industry. Companies investing in thorough initial documentation saw the greatest benefits.
- By FY 2024, the L-1B RFE rate had fallen to 26.7%. This more than 50% reduction from the FY 2019-2021 peak means faster adjudications and fewer delays. Well-prepared petitions now typically receive decisions without additional requests.
Processing Times: What the Data Shows
- Standard L-1B processing typically takes 2-6 months. Under normal processing conditions, petitioners should expect several months between filing and decision. Processing times vary by service center workload and case complexity.
- Premium processing reduces L-1B adjudication to 15 business days. For time-sensitive transfers, USCIS premium processing guarantees a decision, RFE, or denial within three weeks. This option is essential for urgent business needs.
- Premium processing costs $2,965 per petition (effective March 1, 2026). The increased filing fee represents a significant but often worthwhile investment for companies needing rapid resolution. Many employers budget for premium processing as standard practice.
L-1B vs. L-1A: Statistical Comparison
- L-1A approval rates rose from 90.8% to 92.4% between January-June 2024 and the same period in 2025. Comparative USCIS data shows both L-1 categories improving, with L-1A (executive/manager) maintaining slightly higher approval rates than L-1B (specialized knowledge).
- L-1A petition volume increased from 10,897 to 12,733 between the first halves of 2024 and 2025. The 16.9% L-1A increase reflects growing demand for intracompany executive transfers alongside L-1B growth.
- L-1B maximum stay is 5 years total. Federal regulations cap L-1B holders at five years of cumulative U.S. presence. After reaching this limit, individuals must remain outside the U.S. for one year before becoming eligible for a new L-1 petition.
- L-1A maximum stay extends to 7 years. L-1A managers and executives receive two additional years compared to L-1B holders. This extended duration provides more flexibility for long-term assignments and green card processing.
- L-1B initial validity is 1 year for new offices, 3 years for existing offices. Companies opening new U.S. offices receive shorter initial approvals to allow USCIS verification that the business is viable before granting extensions.
L-1 Blanket Petition Performance
- L-1 Blanket petition approval rates rose from 97.8% to 98.4% between January-June 2024 and the same period in 2025. Large multinational employers using blanket petitions enjoy near-certain approval rates, making this option highly attractive for companies with frequent transfer needs.
- Total adjudicated L-1 Blanket petitions increased from 670 to 700 in the first half of 2025. The 4.5% blanket increase indicates growing corporate adoption of this streamlined process for high-volume transfer programs.
L-1B vs. Other U.S. Work Visas
- L-1B has no annual numerical cap, unlike the H-1B's 85,000 limit. While H-1B selection odds remain at only 20% due to lottery constraints (85,000 selected from 423,028 registrations in FY 2025), L-1B petitioners face no such restrictions.
- L-1B's 10.2% denial rate compares to H-1B's 2.5% denial rate for initial employment petitions. Despite 4x higher denial rates, the absence of a lottery means qualified petitioners always have the opportunity to apply—a crucial advantage over the H-1B's uncertain selection process.
- L-1B approval rates (90%) match E-2 treaty investor visas. NFAP's comparative analysis shows L-1B approval rates align with other employment-based categories like E-2 (90%) and exceed J-1 (89%), F-1 (59%), and TN (57%) approval rates.
Historical Trends & Administration Impact
- L-1B denial rates peaked at 33.7% in FY 2019 and 31.9% in FY 2020. USCIS performance data shows L-1B petitioners faced the highest denial rates in the visa category's history during this period. Heightened scrutiny of specialized knowledge claims drove these elevated rejection rates.
- Under the Obama administration, the L-1B denial rate was 22.8% in FY 2016. Historical USCIS data shows denial rates were already elevated before the 2017-2020 peak, suggesting structural challenges in the L-1B adjudication process that transcend any single administration.
- L-1B denial rates represent a 70% reduction from peak levels. The denial rate reduction from 33.7% (FY 2019) to 10.2% (FY 2024) marks one of the most significant improvements in employment-based visa adjudication. Companies that avoided L-1B petitions during the 2019-2020 period should reassess the category given current favorable conditions.
Green Card Pathways for L-1B Holders
The L-1B visa provides a direct pathway to permanent residence through several employment-based green card categories:
EB-1C for Multinational Managers and Executives L-1B holders who transition to managerial roles may qualify for EB-1C green cards, which offer priority processing and no labor certification requirement. This pathway is particularly valuable for employees promoted during their L-1B tenure.
EB-2 NIW for National Interest Waiver Employees whose specialized knowledge serves the national interest may pursue EB-2 NIW without employer sponsorship. This self-petition option provides flexibility if employment circumstances change.
PERM Labor Certification Traditional PERM-based green cards through EB-2 or EB-3 categories remain available to L-1B holders. The employer must complete labor market testing before filing the immigrant petition.
Alma offers transparent pricing for all green card categories: EB-1A/B/C at $10,000, EB-2 NIW at $10,000, and discounted rates of $7,000 for EB-1/EB-2 NIW with an approved O-1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current L-1B visa approval rate?
USCIS approved 90% of FY 2024 cases, with rates climbing to 92.8% in 2025. These represent the highest approval rates in years, reflecting improved adjudication consistency and better petition preparation across the industry.
How long does L-1B visa processing typically take?
Standard processing takes 2-6 months depending on service center workload. Premium processing for $2,965 (effective March 1, 2026) guarantees a decision within 15 business days. Alma's document preparation is completed within 2 weeks regardless of USCIS timelines.
Can an L-1B visa holder apply for a green card?
Yes. L-1B holders can pursue permanent residence through employer-sponsored PERM labor certification, transition to EB-1C if promoted to a managerial role, or self-petition through EB-2 NIW if their work serves the national interest.
What are the main differences between L-1A and L-1B visas?
L-1A covers managers and executives with a 7-year maximum stay and direct EB-1C green card eligibility. L-1B covers specialized knowledge workers with a 5-year maximum stay. Both require one year of prior employment with the foreign affiliate.
What if my L-1B petition receives a Request for Evidence (RFE)?
RFE rates have dropped to 25% in Q3 2025, down from over 55% in 2019-2021. When RFEs occur, timely and comprehensive responses are critical. Alma's legal packages include RFE response support, with Growth and Enterprise plans providing one free refile if needed.
Does Alma provide assistance with L-1B visa applications?
Yes. Alma offers L-1B services at $6,000 for Initial/New Office petitions and L-1B Extensions at $3,000. Each case includes up to 3 attorney consultation calls, platform access for real-time tracking, and administrative support. Alma maintains a 99%+ approval rate across visa categories with guaranteed 2-week document turnaround.
