Do I need to fill out a new DS-160 to renew my L-1?

It depends on the renewal path. If you are filing a new consular application (for example, your visa has expired and you need a new stamp in your passport), you will generally need to complete a new DS-160. Each visa application at a consulate requires its own form, with updated information about you and your sponsoring employer.

If, instead, you are filing a status extension while remaining in the US without leaving the country, the process is typically different. In that scenario, continuity is handled by USCIS, and the DS-160 (which is a consular form) is not part of the process.

• New consular application: usually requires a new, updated DS-160.
• Status extension within the US: the DS-160 is typically not used.
• Each consular application requires its own individual form.

Since procedures and forms can change, it is worth confirming what applies to your situation through official US government sources or with a qualified professional before starting your 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.