Can my company transfer me before the L-1 petition is approved?

Not to start working. A transfer under the L-1 visa follows formal steps: the company files the petition with USCIS and, only after approval (and visa issuance, when required) can the employee begin working in the United States under that status.

Attempting to start the transfer or begin working before approval constitutes a violation of immigration regulations. This can have serious consequences for both the employee and the sponsoring company, including jeopardizing the petition itself.

The safe path is to wait for the official confirmation from the authorities before making any move. Be wary of promises of immediate transfer that bypass the legal steps of the process.

Since timelines and requirements vary by case and consulate, it is worth confirming the current procedure with USCIS or a specialist before planning the move.

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.