L-1 Blanket: Fast US Transfers for Global Teams Explained

The ability to onboard top talent for every strategic department, without the limits of location, is one of the biggest advantages of building a global team.

The L-1 blanket petition takes that advantage further. It enables you to relocate your most skilled global employees to the US fast and as often as needed.

With a pre-approved blanket petition, you can transfer multiple executives, managers, and specialized knowledge employees without the burden of filing individual petitions each time.

Once approved, you simply provide the qualifying employee with the blanket approval notice, and they can apply directly for an L-1 visa at a US embassy or consulate.

The petition requires a truckload of documentation to prove your company’s eligibility. But that’s where immigration experts like Deel come in. We guide you through every step, manage the paperwork, and ensure smooth, compliant intracompany relocations for your global team.

What is the L-1 blanket?

The L-1 blanket petition allows eligible international companies with a US-based parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate to submit a single petition to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of multiple qualifying foreign employees.

This facilitates the process of transferring employees from affiliated entities abroad to work for the US-based company under the L-1 visa, without the need for individual petitions.

Once the USCIS pre-approves the blanket petition, eligible employees can apply for the L-1 visa directly at a US embassy or consulate. Canadian employees are an exception. They may present their application and supporting documents at a US port of entry or pre-clearance location, without obtaining a visa stamp from a consulate.

There are two categories of L-1 visas, based on the employee’s role:

• L-1A visa: For executives and managers
• L-1B visa: For employees with specialized knowledge about the company’s products, services, or internal processes

Employees who do not meet the criteria for either category are not eligible for the L-1 visa.

What is the validity period of the L-1 blanket petition?

The initial validity period of an L-1 blanket petition is three years. After this, your company can request indefinite validity by demonstrating that it still meets the eligibility requirements.

If USCIS denies the request or your company doesn’t apply for indefinite validity, you must file individual L-1 petitions for each employee for the next three years. After that, you may reapply for a new blanket petition.

It’s important to note that the validity of the blanket petition is different from the validity of the individual L-1 visas issued under it:

• For companies establishing a new US office, both L-1A and L-1B visas are initially valid for one year
• For employees joining an existing US office, both L-1A and L-1B visas are initially valid for three years

Extensions are available as follows:

• L-1A: Extendable in two-year increments, up to a maximum of seven years
• L-1B: Extendable in two-year increments, up to a maximum of five years

Can employees bring dependents under the L-1 blanket visa?

Yes. L-1 visa holders can bring their spouse and unmarried children under 21 to the US on L-2 visas. Once approved, dependents can remain in the US for the same duration as the L-1 employee.

In addition, L-2 spouses are eligible to work in the US without needing a separate work permit.

What are the benefits of the L-1 blanket petition?

Maximizes available talent

The L-1 blanket petition enables global companies to quickly deploy experienced internal employees to critical roles in their US operations. It supports strategic workforce planning by helping fill key positions with trusted talent, rather than relying on external hires who lack company-specific knowledge or expertise.

Drives strategic international growth

By enabling easy employee transfers, the L-1 blanket petition supports faster expansion into the US. It helps companies strengthen new or growing US offices while maintaining strategic alignment across global regions.

Streamlines global mobility

For companies with ongoing global mobility programs, the blanket approval simplifies the transfer processes. Instead of filing individual petitions for each employee, businesses can relocate multiple employees under one pre-approved framework, saving significant time and effort.

Creates operational efficiency

The blanket petition standardizes corporate documentation for L-1 transfers, minimizing duplication and errors. This efficiency frees up HR and legal teams to focus on broader strategic initiatives rather than administrative paperwork.

Enhances global collaboration and innovation

Transferring employees from different global offices encourages cross-border collaboration and the exchange of new ideas. This diversity of perspectives strengthens team productivity and drives innovation across the organization.

Reduces costs

Over time, the L-1 blanket petition offers significant cost savings on relocation programs. By removing the need for separate filings for each employee, companies reduce processing fees, legal expenses, and administrative costs associated with individual petitions.

See also: Global Mobility for Organizations: Benefits, Challenges, and Solutions

Who qualifies for the L-1 blanket petition?

To qualify under the L-1 blanket program, both the employer and the transferring employees must meet specific requirements.

Requirements for the petitioning employer

The petitioning US-based company must meet all of the following criteria:

• Maintain a qualifying relationship with each foreign entity involved, such as a parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate (collectively referred to as qualifying organizations)
• Engage in commercial trade or services, along with the qualifying organizations listed in the petition
• Have an office in the United States that has been active for at least one year
• Have at least three domestic and foreign branches, subsidiaries, or affiliates
• Continue operations in the US and at least one other country, either directly or through a qualifying entity

In addition, the petitioner and the qualifying organizations must meet either of these additional requirements:

• Have obtained approval for the petitions of at least ten L-1 managers, executives, or specialized knowledge professionals within the last 12 months, or
• Have US subsidiaries or affiliates with combined annual sales of at least USD 25 million, or
• Employ at least 1,000 people in the US

Requirements for L-1A beneficiaries

To qualify for an L-1A visa under the blanket petition, the employee must meet the following criteria:

• Worked full-time for a qualifying organization abroad for at least one continuous year out of the three years immediately preceding the L-1 application. The role must have been in a managerial or executive capacity
• Be transferring to the United States in a managerial or executive capacity. The new role does not need to be identical to the previous position, but it must match in terms of level and function

A managerial capacity, in this case, means the employee either supervises and controls the work of other professional employees. Or they manage an essential function, department, subdivision, or component of the company.

Executive capacity means the employee has the authority to make wide-reaching decisions that direct the company or a major part of it, with minimal oversight from higher management.

Requirements for the L-1B beneficiaries

To qualify for an L-1B visa under the blanket petition, the employee must meet the following conditions:

• Worked full-time for a qualifying foreign organization for at least one continuous year within the three years immediately prior to applying
• Be transferring to a US role that requires specialized knowledge of the company’s products, services, processes, or procedures

Specialized knowledge refers to either a deep understanding of the company’s offerings and how they operate globally. Or the employee has advanced expertise in company methods, systems, research, equipment, or workflows that is hard to find outside the organization.

See also: 8 Workplace Mobility Trends Reshaping Employee Experience

What documentation do you need in an L-1 blanket petition?

If you qualify for the L-1 blanket petition, you must submit the following key documents. Keep in mind that USCIS may request additional evidence based on the specifics of your case.

• Completed Form I-129S (Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition)
• A list of qualifying organizations (parent, branches, subsidiaries, affiliates), including their US and foreign locations
• Proof of qualifying relationships with the qualifying organizations, including:
  • Articles of incorporation
  • The most recent annual reports
  • SEC Form 10-K
  • Stock certificate
• Proof of an office in the US that has been actively doing business for at least one year
• Proof of ongoing commercial trade or services, such as:
  • Client orders
  • Purchase orders
  • Sales invoices
  • Bank statements
  • Audited financial statements describing US business operations
  • Federal or state income tax returns referencing the qualifying organizations
• Electronic Export Information filings and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Forms showing evidence of international trade
• Either of:
  • Approval notices for at least 10 L-1 petitions in the past 12 months, or
  • Audited financial statements showing at least USD 25 million in combined annual sales for US affiliates, or
  • Payroll records indicating a US workforce of at least 1,000 employees

What documentation do you need for an L-1 blanket renewal?

To renew an L-1 blanket petition, your company must provide documents that confirm it continues to meet eligibility requirements and maintain qualifying relationships with affiliated entities. You need:

• A new Form I-129S (Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition)

• A copy of the previous blanket Approval Notice (Form I-797)

• A statement confirming that the company continues to meet the eligibility requirements for filing a blanket petition

• If applicable, documentation showing any changes to previously approved qualifying relationships or the addition of new qualifying organizations, including:

  • Most recent annual report
  • Updated ownership chart showing percentages owned
  • Meeting minutes showing ownership changes
  • Updated articles of incorporation
  • Current stock certificates
  • Current stock ledger
  • Proof of stock or capital transfers, such as capital contribution and stock purchase agreements
  • Updated articles of organization (for LLCs)
  • Partnership agreements and registration documents listing all partners (for Partnerships)
  • Sole proprietorship registration documents showing the owner's name (for Sole Proprietorships)

  If no changes have occurred, a statement confirming that all previously listed qualifying organizations remain eligible is enough.

• A list of all employees who were admitted to the United States under the blanket petition, including:

• Positions held

• Employing company

• Dates of initial admission and, if applicable, final departure

If your request for renewal is denied, you must go back to filing Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) to submit individual L-1 petitions for each employee for the next three years. Afterward, you can reapply for a new blanket petition.

Every detail in your documentation plays a role in your petition’s success. Relying on Deel’s immigration experts ensures your documentation is complete, organized, and consistent. We help you avoid errors that could delay approvals.

What documentation do beneficiaries of an L-1 blanket petition need?

Employees transferring to the US under an L-1 blanket petition must provide specific documents to support their visa application and demonstrate eligibility. These include:

• Completed Form DS-160 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application)
• A copy of the approved Form I-129S
• A copy of the I-797 Approval Notice for the blanket L-1 petition
• A valid passport with six months of validity
• A receipt for payment of the applicable visa fees
• A recent passport-size photo
• Proof of at least one year of employment with the foreign company in the last three years, such as an employment verification letter
• A clear job description outlining the employee's role in the U.S. that meets the criteria for executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge
• Supporting documents showing their qualifications for the role. This can be a resume, educational qualifications, certifications, or records of relevant work experience

How to file an L-1 blanket petition

Step 1: File the L-1 blanket petition

Begin by filing a completed Form I-129S along with all required supporting documentation to USCIS.

If any documents are in a foreign language, you must provide a full English translation accompanied by a certification from the translator that:

• Affirms their competence in both languages
• Confirms the translation is complete and accurate
• Includes the translator’s signature, full name, and date of certification

Step 2: USCIS review and decision

USCIS will review the petition and may request additional evidence.

• If approved, USCIS will issue Form I-797 (Notice of Action). It confirms the approval and the validity period of the blanket petition
• If denied, USCIS will send a denial notice explaining the reasons. You may respond by filing Form I-290B (Notice of Appeal or Motion)

Processing typically takes about 30 days, but timelines can vary. For faster results, you may opt for premium processing by filing Form I-907. There’s a fee of USD 2,805, which guarantees a decision within 15 calendar days.

Step 3: Employee applies for L-1 visa

Once approved, the transferring employee can schedule a visa interview at a US embassy or consulate. They’ll need to bring:

• A completed and endorsed Form I-129S
• A copy of the blanket petition approval notice (Form I-797)
• All other documents required to demonstrate visa eligibility

What are the applicable fees for the L-1 blanket petition

L-1 blanket petitioners are not subject to a base filing fee. However, two fees apply.

1. Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee - USD 500

A fee of USD 500 applies when:

• A beneficiary applies for an L-1 visa based on an approved blanket L petition
• Requesting approval for an L-1 beneficiary to change employers

2. Public Law 114-113 Fee - USD 4,500

A fee of USD 4,500 applies if:

• The USD 500 Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee is required
• The petitioner has 50 or more employees in the United States
• Over 50% of these US employees hold H-1B, L-1A, or L-1B nonimmigrant status

The Public Law 114-113 fee is only applicable to petitions filed before October 1, 2025.

Both fees are non-refundable and submitted as separate checks or money orders.​

You can find more information on applicable filing fees from the USCIS fee schedule.

How to ensure a successful and stress-free L-1 blanket petition process?

A successful L-1 blanket petition depends on clear, consistent, and comprehensive documentation. Every submission, from organizational charts to financial records, must reflect a unified picture of your company’s operations and its qualifying relationships.

For employees to acquire L-1 status, they must clearly demonstrate their managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacity. Strong supporting documents, such as performance reviews or records of key decision-making can strengthen the case.

The L-1 blanket petition process comes with plenty of potential pitfalls, but immigration experts can help you avoid them. With Deel, you get a dedicated case manager and experienced immigration attorneys who ensure your application meets USCIS standards. We’ll help you get your L-1 blanket petition right the first time, reducing the risk of delays or denials.

Additionally, we handle visa processing for your L-1A and L-1B employees. This helps you streamline global mobility in your company, ensuring smooth and compliant transfers. It gives you room to focus on your core business priorities.

Case study: Discover how Taktile streamlined its immigration process with Deel. The company saved time, stayed focused on key business priorities, and still had full visibility into every application.

See also: 8 Ways HR Technology Helps Unlock Global Mobility Success

Provide unmatched worker mobility with Deel Immigration

Intracompany transfers don’t have to drain your time and energy, even across borders. With the right partner, you can ensure your talent moves where you need them most.

Deel handles the entire immigration process, from filing the L-1 blanket petition to securing L-1 visas for your employees. We go further by helping with petition and visa renewals, ensuring your talent’s mobility and business operations remain uninterrupted.

In addition to an approval rate of over 98%, Deel offers:

• A free visa eligibility checker to see if employees qualify for an L-1 or L-2 visa
• Immigration and visa support in over 150 countries
• An in-app tracker with real-time updates and personalized notes, keeping you informed throughout the process
• Dedicated support for your unique case
• An AI-driven platform for efficient case management

Schedule a free consultation to see how Deel can simplify your global immigration needs.