L-1 to Green Card Pathway

The L-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for intracompany transferees who work in managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacities. L-1A holders (managers and executives) are typically sponsored for the EB-1C (multinational manager or executive) green card category. L-1B holders (specialized knowledge workers) are typically sponsored for EB-2 or EB-3.

Once an I-140 immigrant petition is approved and a visa number is available, L-1 holders in the United States can file Form I-485 to adjust status to permanent residence.

Medical Exam Requirement

All I-485 applicants must complete an immigration medical examination with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon and submit Form I-693. L-1 visa holders are not exempt from this requirement. The exam must be completed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon — not your personal physician or company doctor.

The medical exam is a standard requirement for all adjustment of status applicants, regardless of their current visa category, employer, or job title.

What the Exam Covers

The immigration medical exam covers a complete physical examination, tuberculosis testing, required laboratory tests (syphilis and gonorrhea for applicants age 15 and older), and a vaccination review. The civil surgeon will administer any missing required vaccines.

There are no special medical requirements for L-1 holders. The exam is the same as for any other I-485 applicant.

Timing With L-1 to EB-1C or EB-2 Processing

L-1 to green card processing can take anywhere from several months to several years depending on the category and country of birth. Because Form I-693 is valid for two years from the civil surgeon's signature date, schedule your exam after your I-485 is filed — not years in advance.

If your L-1 status is expiring during I-485 processing, consult your immigration attorney about maintaining status. Your L-1 status does not affect the medical exam requirement.

Family Members on L-2 Visas

The spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an L-1 holder are eligible for L-2 visas. If they are in the United States on L-2 visas and file Form I-485 as derivative beneficiaries, each family member must complete their own immigration medical exam.

Family members cannot share a Form I-693. Each person needs their own exam and their own sealed envelope. Schedule family appointments together to streamline the process.

Practical Tips for L-1 Holders

L-1 holders often have busy travel schedules. Schedule your medical exam during a period when you will be in the United States for at least a week to allow time for lab results and vaccine administration. At ImmigrationMedicalExams.com, we offer 2-day expedited processing for applicants with tight schedules. Call 714-760-4538 to schedule.