If my role changed abroad, does my total qualifying time still count?

If your position changed while you were working abroad, what determines how the time counts toward the L-1 visa is not the change itself, but whether the new role continues to meet the qualifying criteria for the category, that is, a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge position, according to the visa subcategory.

If the new role remains within those categories and the employment relationship with the company is continuous, the period generally counts toward satisfying the required qualifying time. A period spent in a role that does not fall within those criteria, however, is normally not counted for that purpose.

• What matters is the qualifying nature of the role, not the job title itself.
• Continuous employment with the same company is typically essential.
• Clear records of the duties performed strengthen the case during review.

Because each case is evaluated individually by the immigration authority and requirements may change, it is worth confirming the current requirements with USCIS or a specialist before filing. Keeping detailed documentation of your professional history can be decisive.

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.