Can I consider part-time as 1 year of work experience abroad?

The L visa is aimed at professionals who are being transferred within the same company to the United States, and one of the main requirements is to prove prior full-time experience for at least one continuous year. This experience needs to have been acquired outside the United States, in a position similar to the one you will hold on American soil.

When the question is whether part-time can be considered as one year of work, the answer is that often the conversion from part-time work to full-time equivalent is not automatic. U.S. immigration law generally requires that previous experience be acquired in a capacity equivalent to a full-time position. If the part-time work was continuous and accumulated a number of hours that can reasonably be considered equivalent to a full-time position- which, in practice, means having worked 40 hours per week or the equivalent established by the company-there may be an argument for converting it, provided that this equivalency can be documented clearly and consistently.

However, it is crucial to keep in mind that each case has its particularities and that the officers responsible for visa analysis apply the rules strictly. Therefore, gathering all documentation that proves the equivalency between part-time periods and a full-time period is essential. It is advisable to remain attentive to the specific rules and updated interpretations of the U.S. immigration authorities.

Finally, I emphasize the importance of complying with all immigration-related laws, seeking guidance from qualified specialists, and being extra cautious with proposals that seem to promise easy or guaranteed solutions. Ensuring the truthfulness and integrity of the information provided in the process is crucial to avoid future problems.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

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.