What should I do if my passport expires in 6 months but I want to apply for L-1?

If your passport is close to expiring, the safest course of action is to renew it before filing the L-1. This helps you avoid complications at the consular appointment, the interview, and boarding.

In practice, consulates, embassies, and airlines commonly require that the passport remain valid for a period beyond your trip or intended stay. The exact requirement varies based on the document’s nationality and specific bilateral agreements, so avoid assuming a fixed timeframe and confirm the current rule with the consulate or the U.S. Department of State.

A few precautions help keep the process on track:

• renew the passport in advance, before scheduling the interview;
• make sure the details in the new passport are correct and consistent with the petition;
• keep the old passport, in case it contains relevant visas or stamps.

Since each situation has its own specifics, it is worth checking the latest guidance and, if needed, aligning your application timeline with the support of a specialist.

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.