Does the company abroad need to maintain the same level of operations throughout my L-1?

Not exactly. The company abroad does not need to freeze its numbers or keep operations at the exact same scale throughout the L-1, but it must remain active and genuinely operating during the visa period.

This is because the L-1 relies on a living connection between the entities: the category presupposes that the foreign company and the subsidiary, parent, or affiliate in the United States coexist and conduct legitimate business. If the foreign operation simply ceases to function, the foundation of the transfer is undermined.

What the authorities assess is the continuity and legitimacy of the relationship, not a fixed metric. For this reason, significant changes in the structure or functioning of the foreign company can raise questions about the maintenance of the qualifying relationship, particularly at renewal.

Since each corporate arrangement has its own particularities, it is worth keeping consistent records of activity on both sides and seeking specialized guidance, checking updated rules to ensure the relationship remains well documented.

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.