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Can I leave my family in my country and only I go on the L-1?

It is possible to obtain the L-1 visa only for the professional while the family remains in the country of origin, but future reunification involves separate processes.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on March 20, 2025
1 min read
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The L-1 visa is intended for employees transferred within the same company to work at a branch, headquarters, or affiliate in the U.S. It is a common alternative for professionals who wish to work temporarily in the country, and their dependents can accompany them through the L-2 visa.

Legally, it is possible to apply for the L-1 visa for the professional alone, without including the family. However, if you wish to reunite your family later, a separate process will be necessary, such as the L-2 visa, which has its own requirements.

It is essential to comply with all U.S. immigration laws and seek reliable guidance to avoid risks and ensure sound decisions. Plan carefully, as not including family members in the initial application may affect future family reunification processes.

Learn more about L-1 Visa

Type
Intracompany transfer
Duration
1-3 years
Extension
Up to 5-7 years
Processing
2-5 months
All about L-1 Visa
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.

Victoria's tips

Can I leave my family in my country and only I go on the L-1?

It is possible to obtain the L-1 visa only for the professional while the family remains in the country of origin, but future reunification involves separate processes.

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