If the company is dissolved and reopened with another CNPJ, does the L-1 visa remain valid?

It is important to understand that the L-1 visa is directly linked to the corporate structure of the company sponsoring the professional. This visa was created to facilitate the transfer of employees from multinational companies to their branches or subsidiaries in the United States, and its maintenance depends on a continuous relationship between the entities involved.

If the company that served as the basis for the L-1 visa is dissolved and subsequently reopened with a new CNPJ, as a rule, this characterizes the creation of a new legal entity. Generally, this change may compromise the L-1 status, since the visa is tied to the relationship between the original foreign company and the subsidiary or branch in the United States. To maintain the L-1, in some cases, it is necessary that there be continuity or a qualified relationship between the old and the new entity-such as the formation of an affiliate, subsidiary, or restructuring that maintains the connection of ownership and control. Without this clear and formal link between the two entities, the legal basis for the L-1 visa may be considered broken.

Given this complexity, it is essential to strictly observe United States immigration laws. It is always recommended to seek clarification with professionals experienced in the area, as each situation has particularities that can influence the outcome. Furthermore, it is wise to be cautious of offers and marketing campaigns that promise solutions without a proper complete analysis of the case, as they may not reflect the legal reality and may end up causing future complications.

Staying well informed and having the support of specialists is essential to avoid surprises in immigration processes. Every change in the corporate structure must be carefully analyzed to ensure that all legal requirements are met and, thus, preserve the L-1 visa status whenever possible.

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.