L Visas or Intra-company Transfers FAQs

Depending upon the change, you may have to file an application for either a new visa or to amend the conditions of your current visa. However, this is a complex issue which should be reviewed by an attorney before taking any action.

To comply with the terms of the visa (promised salary, position, etc.).

There is no numerical limit. However, because of the nature of the visa (executives, managers, and specialized knowledge employees), there would most likely be a reasonableness standard applied by the government.

There are no employer responsibilities if the employee under L-1 status leaves or is terminated.

See the L-1 Visa section.

It would depend on the situation. If you are currently in the United States with a valid non-immigrant visa, you would continue in that status. If your former visa has expired, then you would no longer be in status.

If your non-immigrant status expires while the L-1 application is pending, then your status will be “an applicant for a non-immigrant visa” and you are permitted to remain in the United States until a decision is made on your application.

L-1 Visas can not be “transferred”. However, if your new employer qualifies to file the L-1 Visa petition, you may apply for a new L-1 Visa. Bear in mind that to be eligible for an L-1 Visa you need to have been employed outside the U.S. by the sponsor company or an affiliate for one of the last three years.

Spouses and children of L-1 Visa holders can obtain L-2 status, which allows them to live, study and work in the U.S. In order to work, L-2 Visa holders must apply and obtain a work authorization card and renew it as necessary.

Usually the visas are given for one to three years per visa application. You may renew and maintain this visa for a period of time not to exceed 7 years. This is a statutory time limitation and therefore if someone is interested to remain in the U.S. longer, it is important to begin the residency petition as soon as possible.

There is no limit to the number of times you can change employers with an L-1 Visa. However, each employer must qualify to file for the L-1 Visa petition. Bear in mind that to be eligible for an L-1 Visa you need to have been employed outside the U.S. by the sponsor company or an affiliate for one of the last three years.

L-1 Visas do not have any extension period during which an individual may depart the United States and therefore you should depart immediately after your visa expires or your employment terminates. There are other visas that contain an automatic departure period. For example, an F-1 Student Visa contains an automatic 60 day departure period. However, L-1 Visas do not. Also, L-1 Visas become invalid upon the termination of employment or non-compliance with the conditions of the L-1 Visa (i.e. salary, position, duties, etc.).