L1 Visa to Green Card: Step-by-Step Transition Guide (2025)

Introduction

Many executives and specialized employees on an L1 visa eventually look to transition to a more permanent status in the United States. Fortunately, the L1 visa allows for dual intent, meaning you can pursue a green card without jeopardizing your current non-immigrant status.

The most common green card path for L1A holders is through the EB-1C category for multinational executives and managers. However, not all L1A visa holders qualify for EB-1C. In such cases, they may still pursue a green card through PERM-based sponsorship (EB-2 or EB-3). This is also the primary route for L1B visa holders, who are not eligible for EB-1C at all.

In this guide, we’ll explain the most common paths from L1 to green card in 2025, especially through EB-1C, and outline alternatives, timelines, documentation, and how an experienced L1 visa lawyer can help maximize your chances of approval.

For a full breakdown of the L1 visa categories and their requirements, visit our L1 Visa Guide.

Why EB-1C Is the Top Green Card Option for L1 Visa Holders

While there are multiple employment-based green card categories available, the EB-1C immigrant visa stands out as the most natural and direct option for qualified L1A visa holders. Unlike most employment-based green cards, EB-1C does not require PERM labor certification and allows applicants to leverage their existing executive or managerial roles within a multinational business.

This makes it especially attractive for:

• Foreign executives transferred to lead U.S. branches
  
• Business owners expanding operations from abroad to the U.S.
  
• L1A holders aiming for a fast, streamlined green card pathway
  

If you're currently on an L1A and managing a qualifying U.S. entity, EB-1C may offer a direct route to permanent residency without major restructuring.

What Is the EB-1C Green Card?

The EB-1C is an immigrant visa designed for multinational executives and managers, closely aligned with the qualifications of L1A visa holders.

Key Requirements:

• 1 year of employment with a qualifying foreign company in the past 3 years
  
• Transfer to the U.S. to work in a managerial or executive capacity
  
• The U.S. company must be actively doing business for at least 1 year
  
  

Many L1A holders meet these criteria and can file for EB-1C without a labor certification.

Timeline: L1 to Green Card Process in 2025

Premium processing for EB-1C is now available, offering a guaranteed 45-business-day decision for the I-140 petition.
If your priority date is current, you may file I-140 and I-485 concurrently to save time.

Key Documentation for EB-1C

A strong EB-1C petition must include:

• Organizational charts showing your role and chain of command
  
• Detailed job description emphasizing managerial or executive duties
  
• Proof of qualifying employment abroad (at least 1 year)
  
• Evidence of corporate relationship between U.S. and foreign entities
  
• Proof that the U.S. business is active (e.g., tax returns, payroll, lease)
  

Even if you meet the requirements, poor documentation can lead to delays or denials.

Alternative Paths: L1B and Non-Qualifying L1A to Green Card

Not all L1 visa holders qualify for EB-1C. If you're on an L1B (for specialized knowledge workers), or your L1A employer lacks sufficient size, staff, or financials to meet EB-1C criteria, you may still pursue a green card through PERM-based sponsorship or EB-2 NIW.

EB-2 (PERM-based)

• Requires a permanent job offer from a U.S. employer
  
• Employer must go through PERM labor certification to prove no qualified U.S. workers are available
  
• Ideal for highly skilled or degreed professionals in strong job markets
  

EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver)

• No employer or PERM required
  
• Must demonstrate your work benefits the U.S. nationally (e.g., healthcare, science, tech, education)
  
• Self-petitioning available, great for entrepreneurs or academics
  

EB-3 (PERM-based)

• Suitable for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers
  
• Involves PERM + I-140 + I-485 or consular processing
  
• Often longer wait times compared to EB-2 or EB-1C
  
  

Contact an L1 visa lawyer to evaluate whether EB-2, NIW, or EB-3 is a better fit for your situation.

Can You Stay in the U.S. During the Green Card Process?

Yes. One of the benefits of the L1 visa is its dual intent, allowing you to stay in the U.S. while your green card is pending—if the process is handled properly.

Key Points:

• Your L1 must still be valid when you file I-485
  
• Section 245(k) allows limited overstays (up to 180 days) before I-485 filing
  
• You may file Form I-765 (EAD) and Form I-131 (Advance Parole) along with I-485
  
• Within 3–6 months, you’ll typically receive an EAD/AP combo card to work and travel legally
  

What Happens If Your L1 Visa Expires During the Green Card Process?

If your I-485 is properly filed while your L1 is still valid, you may remain in the U.S. even if your L1 expires during processing. However:

• You cannot work unless your L1 is still valid or you have an approved EAD
  
• You cannot travel without approved Advance Parole (AP)
  
• Failure to maintain records or missing deadlines may affect your case
  

Why Work with an L1 Visa Lawyer?

The L1 to green card process—especially via EB-1C—is document-heavy and often scrutinized. Errors or missing details can lead to:

• RFEs (Requests for Evidence)
  
• NOIDs (Notices of Intent to Deny)
  
• Denials or status interruptions
  

A trusted immigration lawyer will:

• Assess whether EB-1C, EB-2, NIW, or EB-3 is the best fit
  
• Prepare a fully compliant petition with all documentation
  
• Guide you through premium processing, concurrent filing, and USCIS timelines
  
• Represent you in case of government queries or consular issues
  

Final Thoughts

If you're planning to move from an L1 visa to a green card, 2025 is an ideal time. With premium processing now available for EB-1C and increased flexibility in U.S. immigration strategy, a well-documented petition can significantly reduce delays and uncertainty.

Start your green card journey today—schedule a consultation with a top L1 visa lawyer.
Explore eligibility, timelines, and green card benefits in our L1 Visa Guide.