Can I keep my L-1 if I transfer to another company in the same group?

In many cases it is possible, but it is not automatic. The L-1 is tied to a specific corporate relationship, so moving to another company within the same group requires confirming that the new entity also qualifies under the category’s criteria.

In practice, the new company must demonstrate that it maintains with the original employer one of the relationships the L-1 recognizes (parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate) and that a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role will actually be performed. Simply belonging to the same corporate group in a general sense is not enough.

In addition, a transfer between entities typically requires a new petition to reflect the change of employer within the group. Continuing to work for a new entity without updating the documentation can put your status at risk, even if everything happens within the same organization.

Because each corporate structure is analyzed individually by USCIS, the safest approach is to verify the current requirements from the official source and plan the transfer with the support of a specialist before making it effective, avoiding gaps that could jeopardize the continuity of the visa.

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.