Maintaining L-1 Visa Status: Travel, Worksite, and Compliance Rules

Why L‑1 Visa Compliance Matters

Being approved for an L‑1 visa is only the beginning. To keep your status valid, you must follow important rules about where you work, how you travel, and when to file updates or extensions. Mistakes can lead to losing your status or trouble getting future visas.

Traveling on an L‑1 Visa: What You Need to Know

• You can travel internationally and re-enter the U.S. if your L‑1 visa stamp is valid and your I‑94 record is not expired.
• If you changed to L‑1 status in the U.S. without getting a visa stamp, you’ll need to visit a U.S. consulate abroad before returning.
• Canadian citizens can enter without a visa stamp, but must show their Form I-797 L‑1 approval notice at a port of entry.
• Leaving the U.S. while an extension or change of status is pending may cancel that application.

Tip: Always carry a copy of your I‑797 approval notice and I‑94 when traveling.

Your Job Location and Role Must Match Your Petition

• You must work at the address listed in your L‑1 petition (Form I‑129).
• New work locations, even within the same company, may require a new or amended petition.
• Changes to your job title, duties, or responsibilities must be reported to USCIS.
• Working at a third-party client site without approval can violate your visa terms.

If your job ends, you typically have a 60-day grace period or until your I‑94 expires, whichever comes first, to either change your status or leave the U.S..

Filing Extensions or Changing Employers

• To stay in the U.S. beyond your current L‑1 expiration date, your employer must file Form I‑129 before your I‑94 expires.
• Changing employers is only allowed if the new company qualifies under L‑1 rules (e.g., parent or affiliate abroad), and you have met the requirement of having one year of employment abroad in a managerial or executive position with the qualifying foreign company.
• You must wait for USCIS approval before working for the new employer.

Understanding the 60-Day Grace Period

If your job ends, you may remain in the U.S. for up to 60 days or until your I‑94 expires, whichever is sooner. During this time, you can:

• Find a new employer and file a new petition
• Apply for a change of status
• Make arrangements to leave the U.S.

Staying past this window without action may lead to unlawful presence, which can affect future immigration eligibility.

Quick L‑1 Visa Compliance Checklist

• Check your I‑94 expiration date regularly
• Travel only with valid visa and supporting documents
• Work only at the location and in the role listed in your petition
• File extensions at least 45–60 days before your I‑94 expires
• Review major job changes with immigration counsel
• Take action quickly if your job ends or your visa is expiring

Final Thoughts

Your L‑1 visa status depends on more than your initial approval. Following the right steps for travel, job changes, and timing can help you stay compliant and protect your future immigration options. When in doubt, speak to a licensed immigration attorney.

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If you have questions about being inadmissible to Canada, we invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people work and live in the United States. Please read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.

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