L-1 visas are generally issued for a period of up to five years for individuals who are coming to the United States to work in a managerial or executive capacity, or for individuals with specialized knowledge who will be working for a related company in the United States. L-1 visas can be extended in increments of up to two years, up to a maximum of five years for individuals in a managerial or executive capacity and up to a maximum of seven years for individuals with specialized knowledge. After the maximum period of stay has been reached, the individual must return to their home country for at least one year before they are eligible to apply for another L-1 visa.