How to Convert an L1 Visa to a Green Card A Detailed Guide

How to Convert an L1 Visa to a Green Card: The Ultimate Guide

The process of an L1 visa to a green card seems overwhelming, given the changing in U.S. immigration policies and different timelines. As an L1A manager or L1B specialized employee, this comprehensive guide takes you through each detail of the L1 to green card process so that you can move from temporary to permanent resident with ease.

What is an L1 Visa and Why It’s a Strategic Path to a Green Card

The L1 visa is a non-immigrant work visa for intracompany transferees. It permits U.S. employers to transfer executives, managers (L1A), or employees with specialized knowledge (L1B) from their foreign offices to the U.S.

Unlike most non-immigrant visas, the L1 visa can be eligible for green card because it has dual intent—you can seek permanent residency legally without compromising your existing visa status.

There are two categories:

• L1A Visa: For managers and executives (max 7 years validity)
• L1B Visa: For knowledge workers specializing in certain work (max 5 years validity)

Why it matters: The L1 to green card timeline can be faster for L1A holders, particularly through the EB-1C green card category, which does not involve labor certification.

Can L1 Visa Holders Apply for a Green Card?

Yes. The question is often asked, Can I apply for a green card on an L1 visa? The answer is definitely yes—L1 visa holders can apply for green cards under different employment-based green card categories.

With the dual intent policy, L1 visa can apply for green card without the need to go home or change visa status first.

Here’s how it works out:

• L1A → EB-1C (Executives/Managers): Fast track, no PERM required.
• L1B → EB-2 or EB-3: Needs labor certification (PERM), longer process.

This flexibility makes the L1 visa green card process extremely strategic for multinational professionals seeking long-term U.S. residency.

Green Card Categories Available for L1 Visa Holders

Selecting the right green card category is important. Your current position and plans will decide the optimal route for your L1 to green card process.

EB-1C: The Quickest Route for L1A Visa Holders

• For multinational executives and managers
• No PERM labor certification needed
• Can directly file Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)
• Switches to the L1 visa to green card timeline quickly (usually under 12–18 months)

EB-2/EB-3: For L1B Visa Holders or L1A with Complex Situations

• EB-2: For advanced degree holders or exceptional ability
• EB-3: For skilled, professional, or other workers
• Both require a PERM Labor Certification, adding time and complexity
• Usually takes 2–3+ years depending on country-specific visa backlogs

If you’re not sure whether to pursue EB-1C or EB-2/3, a legal strategy session can help align your career path with the most visible green card option.

The Complete Step-by-Step L1 Visa to Green Card Process

Let’s break down the L1 visa to green card process so you can take action confidently:

Step 1: Check Eligibility & Green Card Category

• L1A → EB-1C (best if you’ve held managerial/executive positions overseas and in the U.S.)
• L1B → EB-2/EB-3 (needs employer-sponsored PERM)

Tip: If you’re on L1B and promoted to a managerial role, you might be eligible for L1A → EB-1C.

Step 2: Employer Sponsorship and PERM (If Applicable)

• Sponsorship of your green card by your employer
• For EB-2/EB-3: File a PERM Labor Certification with the Department of Labor
• This confirms no qualified American workers are available for your position

Step 3: File I-140 Immigrant Petition

• Your employer files Form I-140 once PERM is approved (if required)
• Premium processing available for expedited adjudication (15 days)

Average L1 visa green card processing time at this stage:

• EB-1C: 6–12 months
• EB-2/3: 12–18 months (not including PERM time)

Step 4: Wait for Your Priority Date

• Every petition is given a priority date when submitting I-140
• Take a look at the USCIS Visa Bulletin each month to monitor progress
• If you’re from India or China, take it slow

Step 5: File I-485 (Adjustment of Status) or DS-260 (Consular Processing)

• I-485: When you’re currently in the U.S. in valid L1 status
• DS-260: When you’re outside the country or want consular processing

A majority of L1 holders want Adjustment of Status to stay within the country and keep work authorization pending processing.

Step 6: Attend Biometrics & Interview

• USCIS arranges a biometrics appointment (fingerprinting, photo)
• You might have a green card interview in person as well
• Be prepared with:

• • Evidence of continued job responsibilities
  • Support letter from the company
  • Previous L1 approvals

Tip: It is crucial to remain in valid L1 status until green card approval. Overstays or gaps can delay or derail your L1 to green card pathway.

L1 to Green Card Timeline in 2025: What to Expect

The timeline for the L1 to green card process may fluctuate, but here’s what most

applicants should expect in 2025:

What If My L1 Visa Expires While I’m Going Through the Green Card Process?

It’s a popular question: Can I remain in the U.S. if my L1 visa expires during green card processing?

If You’ve Filed Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status):

• You can lawfully stay in the U.S. while awaiting it, even if your L1 visa has expired.
• You’ll be issued a work permit (EAD) and advance parole travel document.

If You Haven’t Filed I-485 Yet:

• Hold valid L1 status or explore a change of status (e.g., H1B, dependent status)
• Prevent gaps in lawful presence

Always file Form I-485 while retaining valid L1 status to protect your stay and rights.

Can I Apply for an L1 Visa from within the USA?

The short answer is yes but with conditions. If you’re already on another type of visa (such as B1, F1, or H1B), you can change your status to L1 while remaining in the U.S., provided that:

• You qualify for the L1 eligibility requirements (e.g., 1-year before work at a foreign affiliate)
• Your employer submits a Change of Status request on Form I-129

What If I’m Not Eligible for an L1 Green Card?

If you can’t pursue your L1 visa to green card path, there are other options:

• L1B to H1B transfer (if you get selected in the lottery)
• Change to a dependent visa (e.g., L2 or H4)
• Apply for family-based green card sponsorship
• Re-enter the U.S. on another visa and apply again

Don’t give up hope—there’s usually more than one route to permanent residence.

Your Green Card Journey Begins Here—Let Professionals Do It

Our experienced immigration team at Passage Immigration Law will walk with you every step of the way—so that you can stress less about what’s next and more about the future.

Schedule your customized strategy session today!