Do I need an interview when renewing my L-1 at a consulate outside the U.S.?

It depends on the case. When renewing the L-1 at a consulate outside the United States, the most common scenario is that the applicant is called in for an interview, which serves to confirm eligibility and the consistency of the information in the petition.

That said, an interview is not always required. In certain situations, the consular post may adopt interview waiver procedures, generally taking into account factors such as:

• A recent and unencumbered history with the L-1 itself.
• A petition that meets the Department of State criteria.
• The specific practices of the consulate or embassy handling the case.

Because this decision is made on an individual basis and varies from post to post, and rules can change, the safest approach is to follow the official guidance of the consulate and the Department of State before scheduling.

If you are uncertain about your particular situation, it is worth checking the instructions of the responsible consulate and, if needed, seeking specialized support to prepare for the renewal.

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.