Can I open a business in the U.S. while on L-1 status?

It depends on your role in the new venture. L-1 status exists for you to work at the company that sponsored your transfer to the United States, so that work needs to remain your primary focus. That connection is what sustains the visa.

In general terms, investing in another business or holding a ownership stake tends to be compatible with L-1. The issue arises when you begin actively managing your own company, because that may be read as a deviation from the role that secured the visa.

• Investing or being a minority partner tends to be compatible.
• Managing or actively working in a new business requires caution.
• Work for the sponsoring employer must continue to be the primary focus.

Since every arrangement is different and authorities assess whether visa conditions are still being met, it is worth consulting USCIS or an immigration attorney before starting any active business activity. That way your business plans and L-1 status can coexist without risk.

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.