It is important to understand that the L-1 visa is directly linked to your employment relationship with the sponsoring company. Therefore, when this relationship ends, the authorization for you to remain legally in the United States also terminates.
In general, although the L-1 visa does not provide a formal extension of the stay period after the end of employment, immigration authorities often grant a short period – usually up to 10 days – for the visa holder to organize their departure from the country. This ”grace” period is intended so that you can prepare your return trip or arrange a change of status, if applicable and if meeting the proper requirements.
However, it is essential to keep in mind that this timeframe is not a guaranteed rule for every case and can vary according to the individual situation and the interpretations of immigration authorities at the time. Therefore, if your situation changes or you have doubts about the appropriate procedure, it is highly advisable to seek specialized guidance from trusted professionals or companies working in immigration.
Following immigration laws is crucial to avoid future complications, such as accruing unlawful presence days, which can harm possible applications for other visas or even future travel to the United States. Always be cautious with promises of miraculous results and marketing campaigns guaranteeing quick solutions; make sure to be well-informed and to have qualified assistance to analyze your situation in detail. This way, you will be better prepared to make the right decisions at the right time and avoid legal troubles.
Learn more about L-1 Visa
- Type
- Intracompany transfer
- Duration
- 1-3 years
- Extension
- Up to 5-7 years
- Processing
- 2-5 months
Victoria Harper
Editor-in-Chief
Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.