What is the difference between the L-1A and the L-1B Visa?

The L-1 category is subdivided into two sub-categories – executives/managers and specialized knowledge employees:

-         managers and executives receive the L-1A visa

-         specialized knowledge employees have to apply for the L-1B visa

The reason for this is that visa validity is different for each status. The L-1A status is valid for up to seven years, the L-1B status, however, only up to a maximum of five years.