The L1B visa interview can be the deciding factor in your transfer being approved. It is your opportunity to demonstrate to the Consular officer that you satisfy the visa requirements, and qualify as an intracompany transferee to the States.

Success hinges on practising answers to the L-1B visa questions and showing how your specialist knowledge is genuinely unique to the company and essential to the role in the US.

This guide walks you through what to expect, how to prepare and the kind of questions you’ll be asked so you can approach the interview informed, confident and ready to prove your case.

 

L1B visa requirements

 

The US L1B visa allows foreign employees with specialist knowledge to either transfer to an existing US office or to move to the country to establish a new office, branch or subsidiary of their organisation.

It is for employees of multinational companies who possess specialized knowledge relating to the organisation’s products, services, research, equipment, techniques, management or other interests and its application in international markets. This knowledge must also be shown to be distinct and not commonly held within the industry.

To qualify, you must also have worked for a qualifying foreign entity for at least one continuous year within the three years prior to the petition and be seeking to enter the US to perform services requiring specialized knowledge for a qualifying US entity.

As part of the L1 application process, the applicant will be required to attend an L1B visa interview. The adjudicating officer will determine the exact questions you are asked, but it is advisable to prepare answers to commonly asked questions in advance.

To have a good chance of success at this interview you must also spend time beforehand ensuring you have all the relevant documentation ready to support your answers.

If you fail to prepare for your interview or do not have the correct documents with you on the day, you risk a delay to your visa processing if further information is requested, or your visa may even be refused.

Your interview will take place at the US Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. Arrive early with all your documents in order, and be prepared for security checks. Interviews are typically brief (5–10 minutes), but every answer and document counts. You may not be asked to present all paperwork, but it’s essential to have it ready in case the officer requests it.

 

L1B visa interview questions

 

Although you can expect your interview adjudicator to have prepared for your interview by looking over your application, it is best not to make any assumptions as to what they know about your profession or your industry. When answering the L1B visa questions, provide as much detail and context as you can while being concise and clear and avoiding going off-topic.

Be honest and open about your experience, past employment and future plans. If you do not know the answer or need to check details before giving an answer, be upfront with the adjudicator. Giving false or incomplete information is ill-advised; your application is likely to be delayed or refused later in the process.

Avoid memorised scripts. Instead, rehearse clear, concise answers using real examples that demonstrate your knowledge and experience. Focus on how your knowledge is specific to the company, not just to your profession. If asked about why a US worker can’t do the job, frame your answer around the proprietary nature of the knowledge or its integration with global operations.

At the interview, the questions you will be asked fall broadly into four categories: general, current job, general US employment and L-1B specific questions.

 

General questions

 

These questions are designed to check your personal information, your travel history, your knowledge of the US and you will be asked to show key documentation such as your passport.

Common questions asked include:

 

• Can you confirm personal details – your name, current address and contact details.
• Can we see your passport, visa fee receipt, I-797 and I-128 and DS-160 forms?
• Which visa are you applying for and why are you applying for it?
• Have you previously travelled to the US? Can you provide dates and reasons for travel?
• Have you ever worked in the US before? Can you provide dates and employer details?
• Have you ever worked in another country other than your home country?

 

 

Current employment

 

In this part of the interview, you will need to provide details about your current job and your role and responsibilities. You will also be asked some questions about your past employment history.
Common questions include:

 

• Who is your current employer?
• Talk me through your role and responsibilities.
• What is your previous experience? Where did you work before your current job?
• What is your current salary?
• How many employees directly report to you?
• What formal training have you had?

 

 

Proposed US employment

 

You will always be asked in detail about your proposed employment in the US. Expect to be asked to provide information on the job, your employer, the role and responsibilities and to show supporting information.

Common questions include:

 

• Where are you intending to work? Tell me a bit about the company.
• What is the job role you will be taking up?
• Talk me through the roles and responsibilities of the job in the US.
• Will you be paid by the US company or through a payroll overseas?
• What will your annual salary be?
• Why do you need to be in the US to carry out this role?
• Where will you be living in the US?
• Who will you report to? Will they be US based?
• Will your employer provide an allowance of any kind while you are in the US?
• How long are you planning to stay in the US?
• If the job doesn’t go well or meet your expectations what will you do?

 

 

Specialism and skills

 

Because of the nature of the visa, the l1b visa questions will assess if your skills and knowledge are sufficiently specialised and are relevant to the role you will be filling in the US.

Common questions include:

 

• What is your specialism and your area of expertise?
• What are your relevant qualifications and work experience?
• What is it about your skills that make them specialised?
• Are the skills specific to your role?
• Are there people in the US with skills similar to yours?
• Why can a US citizen not take up the role you are filling?
• How long have you been working in this industry?
• Have you developed products or tools?
• Do you have specialized knowledge relevant to the role?

 

 

L1B visa supporting documentation

 

It is vital that you have evidence to support the answers you provide in your interview. You should prepare all relevant documentation beforehand and bring this as a dossier with you to refer to during the interview.

L-1B supporting documents generally include:

 

• Valid passport
• Completed Form DS-160 confirmation page
• Visa appointment confirmation letter
• Form I-797 approval notice
• Form I-129 and supporting documentation
• Employment verification letter from the current employer
• Detailed job description for both current and proposed positions
• Organizational chart highlighting the applicant’s position
• Evidence of specialized knowledge (e.g., training certificates, patents, publications)
• Proof of qualifying relationship between the U.S. and foreign employer
• Pay stubs and tax returns to demonstrate employment history

 

 

After the interview

 

If your visa is approved, the consular officer will keep your passport and return it with the visa stamp within a few days. If additional documentation is required, you may receive a 221(g) refusal notice with instructions. If denied, you should receive a reason, though not all denials are appealable. A common cause of refusal is insufficient evidence of specialized knowledge or an unclear employer relationship.

 

Need assistance?

 

NNU Immigration are specialist US immigration attorneys. We support employees and employers from across the globe with L-1 visa petitions, advising on the eligibility requirements and providing guidance throughout the petition process, including interview preparation.

We understand the stakes are high when looking to deploy specialist talent to the US, and bring extensive experience in supporting organizations to secure the necessary permission for their talent to operate Stateside.

If you have a question about the L-1 visa application process or eligibility requirements, contact us.

 

L1B visa questions FAQs

 

Do you need to interview for an L1B visa?

L1B visa applicants are typically required to attend a visa interview.

 

What is the purpose of the L1B visa interview?

The purpose of the L1B visa interview is for the consular officer to assess the eligibility of the applicant for the L1B visa, which is for intracompany transferees with specialized knowledge. The interview helps verify the applicant’s qualifications, the legitimacy of the job offer, and the details of the US employer’s operations.

 

What types of questions can I expect during my L1B visa interview?

During your L1B visa interview, you can expect questions about your job role, qualifications, and specialized knowledge. Common questions include details about your current job, your job duties in the US, the nature of your specialized knowledge, your employer’s business operations, and how your transfer benefits the US company. The consular officer may also ask about your previous work experience and your educational background.

 

How should I prepare for the L1B visa interview?

To prepare for the L1B visa interview, review your petition and supporting documents thoroughly. Be prepared to explain your job duties, your specialized knowledge, and how it applies to the US position. Practice answering questions clearly and concisely, and gather all necessary documentation, including your passport, visa application confirmation, appointment confirmation, and the I-797 approval notice.

 

Will I be asked about my specialized knowledge during the L1B interview?

You will likely be asked about your specialized knowledge during the L1B interview. Be ready to explain what specific skills, techniques, or expertise you possess that are critical to your role in the US company. Provide examples of how your knowledge is specialized and why it is essential for the company’s operations.

 

What documents should I bring to the L1B visa interview?

You should bring several key documents to the L1B visa interview, including your valid passport, the DS-160 confirmation page, visa appointment confirmation, Form I-797 (Notice of Action), a copy of your L1B petition, employment verification letter, and any supporting documents that prove your specialized knowledge and qualifications. It’s also helpful to have recent pay stubs, tax returns, and an updated resume.

 

How can I demonstrate my specialized knowledge effectively during the interview?

To demonstrate your specialized knowledge effectively during the interview, provide specific examples of your work that showcase your unique skills and expertise. Explain how your knowledge is different from or more advanced than that of a regular employee in your field. Be prepared to discuss any specialized training, certifications, or projects that highlight your qualifications.

 

Can I expect questions about my employer during the L1B interview?

Yes, you can expect questions about your employer during the L1B interview. The consular officer may ask about the nature of your employer’s business, its operations in the US and abroad, the relationship between the US and foreign offices, and how your transfer fits into the company’s overall strategy. Be knowledgeable about your employer’s business model, products or services, and corporate structure.

 

How should I answer questions about my job duties in the US?

When answering questions about your job duties in the US, be clear and concise. Describe your specific responsibilities, how they relate to your specialized knowledge, and how they will contribute to the success of the US office. Highlight any projects or tasks that require your unique skills and explain why they cannot be performed by a regular employee.

 

What should I do if I don’t understand a question during the L1B interview?

If you don’t understand a question during the L1B interview, politely ask the consular officer to repeat or clarify the question. It is important to provide accurate and relevant answers, so make sure you fully understand what is being asked before responding. Clear communication is key to a successful interview.

 

How long does the L1B visa interview typically last?

The L1B visa interview typically lasts around 15 to 30 minutes, though the duration can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the consular officer’s questions. Be prepared to spend some additional time at the consulate for security screening and waiting before your interview begins.

 

Is L1B visa interview difficult?

Applicants are advised to prepare for their L1B visa interview, including gathering and familiarising yourself with your supporting documents.

 

Glossary

 

Term	Definition
L-1B Visa	A nonimmigrant visa for employees of an international company who possess specialised knowledge and are being transferred to a US office.
Specialised Knowledge	Knowledge that is specific to the company’s products, services, research, systems or procedures and not commonly held outside the business.
Form DS-160	The online nonimmigrant visa application form required for all US visa applicants.
Form I-129	The petition form filed by a US employer to request approval to employ a nonimmigrant worker.
Form I-797	The approval notice from USCIS confirming acceptance of the Form I-129 petition.
USCIS	United States Citizenship and Immigration Services – the agency responsible for processing immigration petitions and applications.
Consular Officer	An official at a US Embassy or Consulate who conducts visa interviews and determines whether to approve or refuse a visa application.
221(g) Refusal	A temporary refusal issued when additional documents or administrative processing are required before a final decision can be made.
Visa Appointment Letter	The official confirmation of your scheduled visa interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Employment Verification Letter	A letter from your employer confirming your job title, duties, salary, and employment dates.
Organisational Chart	A diagram showing the structure of the company and where the applicant fits within it, often used to support L-1B visa applications.