My L-1 has a different expiration date than the I-797 form?

Yes, and this is more common than it may seem. With the L-1, it is normal for the date on the I-797 form not to match exactly the date of the visa stamp in your passport, because the two documents serve different purposes.

The I-797 is a notification (Notice of Action) issued by USCIS. It confirms that your petition was approved and generally indicates the period for which L-1 status was granted, that is, the time during which you are authorized to remain and work under that status.

The visa stamped in your passport, on the other hand, is a travel document: it authorizes you to present yourself at a port of entry and request admission into the United States within its validity period. Because they serve distinct purposes, it is natural that the dates are not identical. What actually governs your authorized stay is the status granted, not the travel stamp.

These differences are usually normal, but if the periods seem incompatible or you have doubts about how long your status remains valid, it is worth confirming the information with USCIS or with a qualified professional before making any decisions.

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.