If my company sends me to work in another country, do I still keep my L-1?

It depends on how and for how long. The L-1 was designed for you to perform, at the United States office or branch, the role described in the petition. The status holds as long as that work in the US, within the approved scope, continues to take place.

A brief trip or short-term assignment abroad typically does not jeopardize the visa. The issue arises when a posting to another country keeps you away, for an extended period, from the activities that justified the L-1, severing the connection to the US operation.

The analysis is always case by case and takes into account factors such as the duration of the overseas assignment, the connection to the US entity, and the continuity of the relationship with the American office. Changes in location and role can have a direct impact on the validity of the status.

• The L-1 presupposes that you work in the US as approved.
• A short service assignment tends not to affect the status.
• A long-term posting abroad may compromise the visa.

If the company is planning changes or international assignments, it is worth checking the updated rules with USCIS and reviewing the situation with a specialist before making any decisions, to avoid putting the status at risk.

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.