Does part-time work count as qualifying experience abroad?

Not always. For the L visa, one of the key requirements is demonstrating prior full-time experience abroad in a role similar to the one you will perform in the United States, over a continuous qualifying period. Part-time work does not always count toward this requirement directly.

The conversion of part-time hours into a full-time equivalent is not automatic. In some cases, when the part-time work was continuous and the level of dedication reasonably approximated a full-time position, there may be room to argue equivalency, provided you can document it clearly and consistently.

• Gather documents that show the nature and continuity of the work.
• Demonstrate the level of dedication and its similarity to the intended position.
• Treat each case as unique, since the review is thorough and case-specific.

Because the exact criteria can vary and are applied rigorously, confirm how your background fits by consulting the official USCIS resources or an immigration specialist before filing. This helps you avoid building a petition on a fragile equivalency argument.

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.