If I get a new passport due to a name change, is my L-1 still valid?

Yes. Your L-1 does not become invalid simply because you obtained a new passport following a name change. The visa remains valid in the old passport where it was issued; getting a new document with your updated name does not cancel the authorization.

The key point is travel. When entering the United States, carry both passports: the new one with your current name, and the old one containing the L-1 visa. This allows the immigration officer to link the documents and confirm that both belong to the same person.

• The visa remains valid in the old passport even after the name change.
• Always travel with both the new and the old passport together.
• Bring proof of the name change (such as a certificate or court order).

Keeping your records consistent helps avoid complications at the port of entry. If you have any doubts about your specific situation, confirm the procedure with official sources or an immigration specialist before you travel.

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.