L-1

L-1 US Intra-Company Transfer Visa for Kazakhstan Citizens 2026

The L-1 visa is a non-immigrant U.S. visa for intra-company transferees. It allows international companies to transfer qualified employees from a foreign office to a U.S. parent company, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.
The L-1 visa is intended for Kazakhstan citizens who already work for an international company and are being transferred to the United States.
This visa remains available in 2026.

L-1 visa categories

L-1A (Managers and executives):

• For senior managers and executives

• Focus on leadership, decision-making, and company operations

L-1B (Specialized knowledge employees):

• For employees with specialized company-specific knowledge

• Focus on proprietary processes, systems, or expertise

The category depends on the employee’s role.

What the L-1 visa allows

• Legal employment in the United States for the transferring company

• Work only for the employer listed in the petition

• Residence in the U.S. for the duration of the approved transfer

• Part-time study alongside employment

• Bringing eligible dependents under L-2 status

Employment must match the approved position.

What the L-1 visa does NOT allow

• Working for another employer

• Self-employment outside the corporate structure

• Employment outside the approved role

• Staying beyond the authorized period

Any material change requires an amended petition.

Who can apply from Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan citizens can qualify for an L-1 visa if they can prove:

• Employment with a qualifying company outside the U.S. for at least 1 continuous year within the last 3 years

• A qualifying corporate relationship between the foreign and U.S. entities

• Transfer to a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role

• Temporary intent to remain in the U.S. under L-1 status

Both the company and the employee are evaluated.

What visa officers really check

Authorities evaluate:

• Existence of a real corporate relationship

• Nature of the employee’s role and responsibilities

• Whether the role qualifies as managerial, executive, or specialized

• Company operations and staffing

• Compliance with immigration rules

Corporate structure and documentation are critical.

Validity and stay rules

• Initial approval: usually up to 3 years

• Maximum stay:

  • L-1A: up to 7 years

  • L-1B: up to 5 years

• Extensions possible within limits

• Entry type: multiple

Overstaying or role misuse leads to serious consequences.

Petition and company requirements

• The U.S. company files the L-1 petition

• Companies must meet ownership and control requirements

• New U.S. offices may receive shorter initial approval

• Petition approval is required before visa issuance

Employees cannot self-petition.

Common reasons for refusal or denial

Most issues arise due to:

• Weak corporate relationship documentation

• Role not qualifying as managerial or specialized

• Insufficient company operations

• Inconsistent job descriptions

• Lack of prior qualifying employment

Strong corporate preparation is essential.

How to apply

The process includes:

• Employer files and receives L-1 petition approval

• Completing the DS-160 form

• Attending a visa interview

• Receiving a decision

Processing depends heavily on employer documentation.

Important note for 2026

• L-1 visas are available for Kazakhstan citizens in 2026

• L-1 is a dual intent visa, allowing future immigration applications

• Corporate compliance is strictly reviewed

Unsure if L-1 fits your situation?

Before applying, it is recommended to assess corporate eligibility and role qualification.
A proper evaluation helps avoid refusals and delays.

Additional conditions

Employment is permitted only within the approved corporate structure and role.

The L-1 visa allows dual intent, meaning permanent residence may be pursued later.

An interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate is mandatory for almost all applicants from Kazakhstan.