L-1A for Brazilian executives: the definitive 2026 guide
Your Brazilian company has 1+ year of operations and needs an executive in the US? L-1A is the tool. With planning, it becomes a permanent green card via EB-1C in 18–24 months.
L-1A is the intra-company transfer visa for executives and managers — the preferred instrument for Brazilian groups wanting to keep their own leadership at the US subsidiary, and often the first step in a 3-year plan culminating in EB-1C.
The 5 requirements
- Qualifying corporate relationship (parent-sub, affiliates, common-control JVs).
- Brazilian parent active 1+ year.
- Transferee worked 1 continuous year in executive/managerial role within last 3.
- US role must also be executive or managerial.
- Both companies must remain ‘doing business’ during visa period.
Standard vs New Office
| Criterion | Standard | New Office |
|---|---|---|
| US sub operating | 1+ yr | < 1 yr |
| Initial validity | 3 yrs | 1 yr |
| Approval rate | 85%+ | 65–75% |
| Renewal friction | Low | High (USCIS reassesses) |
At 1-year renewal, USCIS demands evidence the sub is truly operating as promised + that you're actually executing executive duties (not all-hands startup work). Many renewals are denied because the executive ‘did everything’ year 1.
The EB-1C bridge
After 12–18 months on L-1A, file I-140 EB-1C. Brazil is CURRENT in EB-1 (April 2026) — I-485 can be filed immediately on approval. Total L-1A → GC: ~3.5 years.
Frequently asked questions
- My Brazilian company is 8 months old. Can I file L-1A now?
- No. USCIS requires 1 full year of active parent operation before filing.
- Can L-2 spouse open a business in the US?
- Yes. Since 2021, L-2 spouses have automatic work authorization via L-2S status. Can be employed, consult, or own an LLC.
- Is L-1B a fallback if I don't qualify as executive/manager?
- It's a distinct category for specialized knowledge, not a downgrade. L-1B doesn't have a direct EB-1C bridge.