What should I do if my L-1 visa expires while I am on vacation outside the US?

The L-1 visa stamp in your passport is what authorizes your entry into the United States. If it expires while you are abroad, you cannot re-enter with that same document, even if your employment relationship with the company remains valid.

It helps to distinguish two things: the visa stamp (the consular entry document) and the company petition that supports your category. If the petition is still valid, the normal course of action is to apply for a new visa at the US consulate or embassy in the country where you are, so you can travel back.

• Ideally, handle the renewal before leaving the US if you already know you will be traveling.
• If the visa expires while you are abroad, schedule a new visa appointment at the local US consulate.
• Bring proof of your employment relationship, continuity of your duties, and generally a letter from the company explaining the situation.

Keep close track of your document expiration dates and confirm the procedure through official US government channels or with a specialist, avoiding any promises of quick solutions without a review of your specific case.

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.