L-1 intracompany transfer: photo and application guide
Transfer of a manager, executive or speciality-knowledge employee from an overseas office to a US office of the same multinational employer.
Quick answer
2 × 2 inch photo · DS-160 · $190 application fee
Prepare a 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm) biometric photo on a plain white background. File the DS-160 after USCIS I-129 petition approval (L-1A or L-1B) and pay $190 application fee; USCIS petition fees paid by the employer. Processing time 2–6 weeks at consulate after USCIS approval; petition stage 2–4 months. Interview: Yes for most first-time applicants. Last reviewed .
Application route
| Full name | L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Transfer of a manager, executive or speciality-knowledge employee from an overseas office to a US office of the same multinational employer. |
| Application form | DS-160 after USCIS I-129 petition approval (L-1A or L-1B) |
| Fee | $190 application fee; USCIS petition fees paid by the employer |
| Processing time | 2–6 weeks at consulate after USCIS approval; petition stage 2–4 months |
| Interview | Yes for most first-time applicants |
| Official portal | US Department of State — L-1 intracompany transfer ↗ |
Photo specification
The L-1 intracompany transfer uses the shared US visa photo standard. The same photo file works for DS-160 upload and the printed copy at the consulate appointment.
| Size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) |
|---|---|
| Head height | 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) chin to crown chin to crown |
| Background | plain white or off-white, even illumination |
| Pose | Front-facing, head level, both ears visible when possible |
| Expression | Neutral or natural closed-mouth smile |
| Glasses | Not allowed (banned since 2016 except medical exemption) |
| Digital file | JPEG, minimum 600 × 600 pixels (1:1 aspect), maximum 240 KB |
What to watch out for with the L-1 intracompany transfer
L-1A (manager/executive) and L-1B (speciality knowledge) share the same visa photo specification. The petition is filed by the US employer; the employee then attends the consulate appointment after approval. Blanket L visas allow some companies to file petitions in bulk.
Frequently asked questions about the L-1 intracompany transfer
What size photo do I need for a L-1 intracompany transfer?
2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). The L-1 intracompany transfer uses the same photo specification as all other US consular visas: square format, plain white background, head 1 to 1⅜ inches chin to crown.
What form do I file for a L-1 intracompany transfer?
DS-160 after USCIS I-129 petition approval (L-1A or L-1B). The form is filed online; the photo is uploaded as part of the same submission.
How much does the L-1 intracompany transfer cost?
$190 application fee; USCIS petition fees paid by the employer. Photo and document preparation costs are separate.
How long does the L-1 intracompany transfer take to process?
2–6 weeks at consulate after USCIS approval; petition stage 2–4 months. Plan the photo within the last 6 months but not earlier — a stale photo from before significant appearance change creates trouble at the appointment.
Is the L-1 intracompany transfer interview mandatory?
Yes for most first-time applicants. The biometric photo is captured at the interview alongside fingerprints; bring the digital file plus one printed 2 × 2 inch photo.
Other US visa categories
Prepare your L-1 intracompany transfer photo
Upload a portrait — Anfas.Pro applies the 2 × 2 inch crop, white background and DS-160-ready file size automatically.