What is the grace period at the end of L-1 status?

At the end of an L-1, the visa holder typically has only a short grace period after employment in the United States ends. This window is meant for you to get organized, not as an extension of your lawful period of stay.

During this brief window, the intent is to give you time to take the appropriate steps before your status actually expires.

• Prepare an orderly departure from the country.
• File a change-of-status petition, if you are eligible.
• Seek another lawful basis to remain within the applicable rules.

It is important not to treat the grace period as a guaranteed buffer: it is brief and does not restore a status that has already ended. Because the duration and conditions may change and each case has its own specifics, confirm the latest USCIS guidance and, when in doubt, consult a trusted immigration professional before relying on this window.

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.