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

The L-1 transfer is only possible after petition approval and visa issuance; starting earlier can cause serious penalties for both employee and company.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on February 27, 2025
2 min read
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The transfer to the United States under an L-1 visa is a process that involves several steps and requires that all legal formalities be properly fulfilled. Generally, the procedure begins with the company’s petition to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and only after this petition is approved can the employee begin their activities in the country under that status.

It is important to understand that, to comply with immigration laws, the employee cannot initiate the transfer or start working in the United States until the L-1 petition is approved and, if necessary, the visa is issued. Attempting to transfer or start working before this approval would constitute a violation of immigration regulations, which can lead to serious consequences for both the employee and the company.

Therefore, it is essential to respect each step of the process and wait for official confirmation from the authorities. Remember that the immigration scenario can be quite complex and dynamic, so it is always advisable to rely on up-to-date and reliable information.

Moreover, it is crucial to be cautious about possible miracle promises of rapid transfer without the proper recognition of legal steps: marketing campaigns and scams may offer seemingly easy solutions but can put you at risk. Adhering to immigration laws and seeking guidance from specialized and recognized sources are measures that help avoid future complications.

In summary, the company must wait for the L-1 petition approval before proceeding with the transfer. Strictly complying with the rules established by the United States immigration authorities is the best way to ensure a safe process without surprises.

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

The L-1 transfer is only possible after petition approval and visa issuance; starting earlier can cause serious penalties for both employee and company.

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