Can I apply for a ‘reentry permit’ on L-1?

No. The reentry permit is a document designed for people who hold a green card (permanent residence) and need to spend extended periods outside the United States without jeopardizing that status. It does not apply to holders of the L-1 visa.

The reason lies in the nature of the visa: the L-1 is a nonimmigrant visa, with its own rules for entry and stay, separate from the condition of permanent residence. Because of this, L-1 holders do not meet the criteria to request a reentry permit.

For those on L-1 who plan international travel or longer absences, what matters is maintaining a valid visa and meeting the applicable reentry conditions. In many cases, returning to the United States depends on having a valid visa, not on this document.

Since extended absences can create risks to status, it is worth planning long trips in advance and confirming the reentry rules that apply to the L-1 with USCIS or a qualified specialist.

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.