If the company stops paying me, do I keep my L-1?

The L-1 is a status tied to a specific relationship: the employment with the company that sponsored your transfer. It remains valid as long as that relationship and the conditions that gave rise to it continue to hold.

So if the company stops paying you or interrupts your employment, there is genuine cause for concern. A halt in payment can signal that the employment relationship has changed or ended, and it is precisely that relationship that sustains the visa. Without it, the foundation of your status becomes vulnerable.

A few points can help you act safely:

• Monitor any changes in your employment situation closely and keep documentation that establishes your status.
• Be aware that when employment ends, there may be a limited window provided by regulation to regularize your situation or change status, though specific timeframes should not be assumed here.
• Consider alternatives such as a change of status or a new sponsorship basis if that makes sense for your circumstances.

Because each situation depends on its specific details, the safest course when any change occurs is to check the updated USCIS guidance and promptly consult an immigration professional to assess your rights and available options.

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.