Knowledge Center

Insights on L-1, studying in the U.S., and group tours

Articles explaining concepts, processes, and what to prepare — written in plain language, using correct terminology, with no promises of outcomes.

Asian and American business leaders talking in a modern office lobby

FeaturedL-1 Business6 min read

What is L-1? How L-1A and L-1B differ

L-1 is a classification for certain intracompany transfers between related organizations abroad and in the United States. This article explains the basic difference between L-1A and L-1B.

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10 articles

L-1 Business6 min read

What is L-1? How L-1A and L-1B differ

L-1 is a classification for certain intracompany transfers between related organizations abroad and in the United States. This article explains the basic difference between L-1A and L-1B.

Read article

Three colleagues discussing business strategy around a meeting table

L-1 Business6 min read

3 foundational factors to understand before exploring L-1

The relationship between the two companies, the employee's history abroad, and the intended U.S. role — these three factors are reviewed together.

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A new U.S. office being set up with desks and city views

L-1 Business7 min read

What is L-1 New Office? What companies starting U.S. operations should know

New Office describes a company's operating context in the U.S., not a separate classification. Here is what matters when U.S. operations are still new.

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Student meeting with an admissions advisor at a school office

Study & I-205 min read

What is Form I-20? I-20 vs F-1 visa vs F-1 status

Three terms that are often mixed up. Understanding them correctly helps students and families prepare in the right order.

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Vietnamese student researching U.S. schools on a laptop at home

Study & I-207 min read

Studying in the U.S. from Vietnam: 6 steps from school selection to the F-1 visa

A clear pathway for students in Vietnam, from choosing a program to the visa interview and enrollment preparation.

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Student speaking with a support staff member at a campus student services desk

Study & I-207 min read

In the U.S. on B-1/B-2 and considering long-term study: what to know about Change of Status to F-1

Change of Status is not “changing your visa”. Here is the general process and the misunderstandings that cause problems.

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Asian tour group reviewing an itinerary with a guide at a California coastal overlook

Group Tours6 min read

Before designing a U.S. group tour: 6 things to prepare

Group size, dates, duration, destinations, budget, and purpose — these six inputs shape most of an itinerary.

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Asian corporate delegation touring a company facility in the United States

Group Tours6 min read

Corporate tours in the U.S.: more than a sightseeing trip

A corporate itinerary can combine company visits, market exploration, and cultural experiences when it fits the group's objectives.

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Multi-generational Asian family walking together in a U.S. national park

Group Tours6 min read

Family & community tours in the U.S.: designing for mixed ages

When a group includes older travellers and young children, pace matters as much as the destination list.

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Advisor and client talking in a modern consultation office

Guides5 min read

What to prepare before your first conversation with AFG

You don't need a complete file to begin. A few basic details are enough to keep the first conversation focused.

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TRAVEL GUIDE

U.S. TRAVEL GUIDE

A visual journey through standout destinations across the United States.

READ THE GUIDE →

This content is general information, not legal advice. All decisions rest with the competent U.S. authorities and depend on the facts of each case.

Quick reference

Official U.S. Forms & Resources

Quick access to official U.S. forms and government resources directly related to AFG's three service areas: L-1 Business Expansion, U.S. Study – Form I-20 & F-1, and B-1/B-2 visitor visa information related to U.S. travel.

The links below go directly to official sources from USCIS, the U.S. Department of State, or the Department of Homeland Security.

L-1 Business Expansion

USCISL-1 Petition

Form I-129

Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker

The primary petition used for several nonimmigrant worker classifications, including L-1A and L-1B where applicable.

View official form

USCIS

L Classification Supplement

L Classification Supplement to Form I-129

The section of the Form I-129 package specific to the L classification.

View instructions

U.S. Department of StateConsular Visa Application

Form DS-160

Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application

Used in the consular nonimmigrant visa process, including L visas where applicable.

Official DS-160

When applicable

USCISBlanket L only

Form I-129S

Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition

Relevant only to cases using an approved Blanket L petition. It is not used for every L-1 case.

Form I-129S

USCISOptional

Form I-907

Request for Premium Processing Service

Used to request Premium Processing for eligible L-1 filings. It is a processing-speed option and does not change adjudication standards.

Form I-907

U.S. Study • Form I-20 • F-1

SEVP-Certified School / DHSSchool-issued document

Form I-20

Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status

Form I-20 is issued by an SEVP-certified school to eligible students after admission and the school's own requirements are met.

THE I-20 IS NOT A VISA.

Learn about Form I-20

Department of Homeland Security

I-901 SEVIS Fee

The official source for understanding and paying the SEVIS I-901 Fee under the process that applies to F/M students.

I-901 SEVIS

U.S. Department of State

Form DS-160

DS-160 — F-1 Visa Application

The online nonimmigrant visa application used when a student applies for an F-1 visa at a U.S. consular post.

Official DS-160

USCISChange of Status

Form I-539

Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status

Used for many requests to extend or change nonimmigrant status. In certain eligible situations, I-539 is used to request a Change of Status to F-1 while the applicant is in the United States.

A Change of Status is not the same as a visa stamp in the passport.

Form I-539

When applicable

USCISOptional

Form I-907

Premium Processing for Eligible F-1 Change of Status Requests

Premium Processing may be requested for certain Form I-539 F-1 filings in categories eligible under current rules.

Form I-907