Please refer to Executives/Managers (L-1A) for general requirements.

Specialized staff may also be transferred to the United States.  This would include a special knowledge of the company product and its application in international markets "or an advanced level of knowledge of process and procedures of the company."  Product would also include services, research, equipment, techniques and the like.

It is preferable to be classified as a manager or executive rather than a person with specialized knowledge because a transferee under specialized knowledge is:

a. Limited to a five year stay in the country, as opposed to a total of 7 years for Managers and Executives;

b. Cannot gain permanent residence as a Priority Worker which an executive or manager can do.