How long does the L visa allow me to stay in the U.S.?

A: If the U.S. subsidiary is an existing company, and if your application is approved, you will be allowed to remain in the United States for an initial period of three years. On the other hand, if the U.S. subsidiary is a "start-up" company, the L-1 status is initially approved for a period of one year. At the end of one year, with the help of your attorney, you will demonstrate to the United States government that the business plan has indeed been put in place. At that point, an extension of three years may be granted. Eventually, you may remain or enter the United States under the L-1 for a period of up to seven years. The total length of the stay under the L-1 depends on the classification of the transferred employee. If you are classified as an executive/managerial employee, the L-1 has a total duration of seven years. If your work is in a non-managerial/executive capacity, but you possess a specialized knowledge, the L-1 is limited to a total of five years. With proper planning, the United States subsidiary of the parent company can serve as the source of a Green Card at a later date.