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If my position changed abroad, do I still count a total of 1 year?

The 1-year period for the L visa can be counted even with a position change, provided the new role meets the criteria and there is continuity in the position.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on March 30, 2026
2 min read
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The L visa is intended for professionals transferred within the same company, and one of the important requirements is to prove having worked abroad continuously for at least 1 year in a position that meets the qualification criteria (managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge, depending on the visa subcategory). For this reason, many doubts arise when there are changes in the employee”s role while they are abroad.

In the case of a position change, the determining factor is whether the new position also falls within the required criteria for the L visa. If, even with the change, the position remains within the managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge category, theoretically the experience time can continue to be counted, provided that the period in both positions is continuous and the company maintains the necessary hierarchical structure for the transfer. However, if the new role does not meet these criteria, the time worked in this new position cannot be considered to meet the 1 year requirement.

It is important to remember that each case is analyzed individually, and small details can make a difference in the understanding of immigration authorities. For this reason, it is essential to follow all the rules and guidelines established by United States immigration laws and to be cautious to avoid incorrect information disseminated by unofficial sources. Furthermore, having reliable consultancy that truly understands the process can help clarify the particularities of your case without risks of falling for scams or unfounded promises.

In summary, if there was a position change abroad, the total time considered for the 1-year requirement will depend on the continuity and qualification of the position held. Keeping detailed records and having clarity about the functions performed can be decisive for the visa analysis. Always check all legal requirements and avoid “magical” solutions offered in marketing campaigns that promise impossible results without a thorough and individualized analysis.

Learn more about L-1 Visa

Type
Intracompany transfer
Duration
1-3 years
Extension
Up to 5-7 years
Processing
2-5 months
All about L-1 Visa
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.

Victoria's tips

If my position changed abroad, do I still count a total of 1 year?

The 1-year period for the L visa can be counted even with a position change, provided the new role meets the criteria and there is continuity in the position.

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