Does leaving the country cancel my change of status to L-1?

The L-1 visa is intended for intra-company transfers and allows executives, managers, or employees with specialized knowledge to work in the United States. A change of status, when requested within the country, is a procedure that allows an individual to transition from another nonimmigrant category to the L-1 visa without needing to leave U.S. territory to obtain a new visa at a consulate.

In the specific case of a change of status to L-1, if the applicant leaves the United States while the request is pending, it is important to know that this action may be considered abandonment of the application. This is because a change of status generally requires the candidate to remain physically in the country during the processing of the application. If the person leaves the country, USCIS may interpret this as an intention to discontinue the application, which consequently would invalidate the change of status.

Moreover, this situation can complicate the planning of those who wish to work in the United States under this visa category. Instead of having the position already secured through the internal process, it will be necessary to start a procedure to obtain the L-1 visa through a consulate abroad. This route, in addition to involving different bureaucratic steps, may require more time and cause changes in the strategy for reentry to the country.

For these reasons, it is essential to strictly follow the United States immigration rules and be cautious with circulating information, especially when it comes from sources that may have commercial intentions or unfounded promises. Whenever there are doubts or the need to undertake international travel during a change of status process, it is recommended to seek specialized guidance and verify that the source of information is reliable.

Remember that dealing with immigration matters requires attention to detail and compliance with current laws, and only then is it possible to ensure that the process is conducted safely and correctly.

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.