Can I change from L-1B to EB-3?

Yes, changing from L-1B to EB-3 is possible, but it involves its own legal steps and a careful analysis of each case. These are visas of different natures, and the transition must meet the requirements of the destination category.

The L-1B is temporary: it covers the transfer of a professional with specialized knowledge within the same company to a unit in the United States. The EB-3, on the other hand, is an employment-based immigration category aimed at permanent residence for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers.

In practice, the path typically involves a job offer and labor certification (PERM), through which the employer demonstrates that no qualified and available U.S. worker exists for the position, followed by the remaining steps of the petition. It is a process that requires patience and close attention to the candidate’s profile and the offered position.

• Confirm that your profile fits the intended EB-3 subcategory.
• Align the job offer and employer sponsorship.
• Keep your L-1B status valid while the process moves forward.

Since rules and requirements change and every case is unique, it is worth checking the current procedure with USCIS and managing the transition with expert guidance, without relying on promises of an easy outcome.

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.