No, you cannot switch to a different, unrelated employer while staying on an L1 visa.
The L1 visa is strictly tied to the company that sponsored your transfer into the United States. If you receive a job offer from another U.S. employer, you would need to apply for a different visa entirely. The L1 does not allow job flexibility across companies.
Understanding the L1 Visa: Purpose and Structure
To understand why switching employers is not allowed, it helps to understand what the L1 visa is. The L1 visa is a non-immigrant work visa that allows multinational companies to transfer certain employees from a foreign office to a U.S. branch, affiliate, parent, or subsidiary. It is not meant for general employment or open-market job searches.
There are two main types of L1 visas:
- L1A: For executives and managers
- L1B: For employees with specialized knowledge
To qualify, the employee must have worked for the foreign company for at least one continuous year within the past three years before entering the U.S. under L1 status. The purpose of the L1 visa is to support internal company operations across borders.
Why You Cannot Change Employers on an L1 Visa
The key restriction of the L1 visa is that it is employer-specific. The petition is based on the relationship between the U.S. company and its foreign affiliate. Because of this:
- You are authorized to work only for the company that filed your L1 petition
- You cannot move to a completely unrelated company, even if they are in the same industry
- There is no portability, unlike some other work visas, such as the H-1B
Even if another U.S. employer offers you a position, you cannot begin working for them while remaining in L1 status from the Company that brought you to the U.S.
Let’s Break This Down With a Practical Scenario
Imagine an employee currently working in the U.S. under an L1 visa after being transferred from their company’s office abroad. A competing U.S. company reaches out with a new opportunity offering a higher salary and better benefits.
Can that employee accept the job and continue working in the U.S? The answer is no. Since the new employer is not affiliated with the original company, the L1 visa cannot be used to work for them. The only legal path forward would be to apply for a new visa category that allows employment with the new company.
What Are Your Options If You Want to Change Jobs?
While the L1 visa itself does not allow switching employers, there are still legal options available if you want to pursue a different job opportunity in the United States.
1. Apply for a Different Work Visa (such as H-1B)
If the new employer is willing to sponsor you, they can file an H-1B petition on your behalf. However, there are important things to consider:
- H-1B visas are subject to random selection, unless the sponsoring employer qualifies for an exemption
- You must meet the H-1B requirements, such as working in a specialty occupation that typically requires a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- The petition must be approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before you can begin work.
Changing to H-1B status often requires advance planning and a firm understanding of timelines.
2. Leave the United States and Re-Enter on a New Visa
If a new visa is secured and approved while you are outside the U.S., you may be able to re-enter the country under your new status and begin work with the new employer. In some cases, it is possible to apply for a change of status while remaining in the U.S., but approval is not guaranteed.
What Happens If You Quit or Are Let Go?
Since the L1 visa is tied directly to your employer, leaving the company usually ends your lawful status in the U.S. Here are some important points to keep in mind:
- There is no guaranteed grace period defined in the L1 visa law.
- USCIS may allow a discretionary grace period of up to 60 days, as it does for other non-immigrant visa holders, but this is not automatic
- During this time, you can explore options such as filing a new petition or preparing to depart the U.S.
What You Should Do If You’re Considering a Job Change
If you are currently on an L1 and considering a job change:
- Understand that the L1 visa cannot be transferred to another, unrelated employer
- Explore other visa categories before making any move
- Consult with an immigration attorney to ensure you are staying compliant with U.S. immigration law
- Avoid gaps in your legal status by preparing early and acting with a plan