If I resign, can I stay in the US until I find another job?

The L visa is intended for professionals who have previously worked at a multinational company abroad and who come to the United States to fill a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge position. This visa is, therefore, strongly tied to the employer who sponsored it, which means that the authorization to remain in the US is linked to the employment relationship with that company.

If you choose to resign, it is important to understand that your L visa status ends with the termination of the employment relationship. Unlike some visas (such as the H-1B, which has a grace period under certain circumstances), the L visa does not provide an automatic extension allowing you to stay in the US while seeking a new professional opportunity.

This means that once your relationship with the original sponsor ends, your authorization to remain legally in the country also ceases. It is essential to strictly follow the United States immigration laws. Any decision in this regard can have serious implications for your immigration status and future visa or status change applications.

Thus, if you are thinking about resigning, it is advisable to seek specialized guidance from professionals working in immigration. This care helps to avoid complications, as well as exposure to possible offers promising easy solutions – something frequently exploited by scams or misleading marketing campaigns.

In summary, if you voluntarily separate from the sponsoring company, you will not automatically have authorization to continue in the US until you find another job. The best strategy is to plan carefully and seek specialized advice to consider the available alternatives, whether a status change or voluntary departure from the country, ensuring full compliance with immigration laws.

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.