If the U.S. company closes, can I switch to B-2?

Not automatically. If the U.S. company supporting your L status shuts down, that can directly affect your status, but a switch to B-2 does not happen on its own: it requires a formal change-of-status petition, reviewed on a case-by-case basis by USCIS.

The B-2 is a temporary visitor visa, intended for tourism, medical treatment, and short stays. To obtain the change, you must demonstrate that your stay will be genuinely temporary, that you maintain strong ties to your home country, and that you have no intent to immigrate through that route.

• The company closure affects L status, which depends on the employment relationship.
• Converting to B-2 requires a formal petition and a consistent justification.
• USCIS will assess whether the temporary visitor profile fits your situation.

Because the right moment to act and the available alternatives depend on your specific circumstances, the best course is to seek specialized guidance promptly and review the current change-of-status rules with USCIS.

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.