How long does the L Visa last?

A: The length of the approval varies depending on the US subsidiary and the position the applicant holds. L-1 status is generally approved for an initial period of three years. However, if the U.S. employer is a start-up company, L-1 status is initially granted for only one year. L-1A (manager/executive) status can be extended up to a statutory limit of seven years; L-1B (specialized knowledge) status is limited to a total of five years. The employer is not obligated to retain the employee for the entire five or seven-year period. Unless the parties contract otherwise, the employment relationship is "at will" and either party is free to terminate the relationship at any time. However, if the employee/employer relationship endures and the Beneficiary has used up their entire five-year or seven-year period (and did not apply for a green card during that time), then the foreign citizen must spend one year physically outside of the U.S. before regaining eligibility to apply for a new period of L-1 status.