Can I apply for a Green Card and still maintain my L-1 status?

Yes. The L-1 visa is a dual intent visa, which means you can pursue permanent residence (green card) and, at the same time, keep your L-1 status without that application alone putting your visa at risk.

Dual intent is precisely what sets the L-1 apart from more restrictive categories: demonstrating immigrant intent is not treated as a contradiction with the purpose of the visa. That said, L-1 status does not run on autopilot.

While your green card process moves forward, you must continue meeting all L-1 requirements: keep working for the sponsoring company, maintain the qualifying relationship, and comply with the terms of the visa. Any failure to do so can complicate both an L-1 renewal and an adjustment of status.

Because every case has its own details and documentation must be in order, it is worth seeking specialized guidance and checking the current rules before and throughout the process, rather than relying on promises of easy solutions without proper analysis.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.