Can I have an L-1 and apply for a B-2 visa for leisure travel?

In principle, yes. Holding an L-1 visa does not prevent you from applying for a B-2 visa for leisure travel, as long as each application is evaluated on its own merits. They are categories with different purposes: the L-1 is for work through an intracompany transfer, and the B-2 is for tourism and temporary visits.

In practice, when applying for the B-2 you must show that the trip is strictly recreational or a personal visit, temporary in nature, and that you meet the nonimmigrant requirements of that category. The L-1 allows what is known as ‘dual intent’, but the B-2 does not: for that visa, the focus is on demonstrating the temporary nature of the stay.

• Each visa is assessed according to the criteria of its own category.
• For the B-2, documentation must support the leisure purpose, separate from the L-1 employment.
• Consistent information helps during the consular review.

If your situation has particular circumstances, it is worth seeking specialized guidance and confirming the current requirements for each visa before applying.

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.