Reaching the end of your L‑1 (Intracompany Transferee) visa can bring up a lot of questions. You may be settled in your role, your employer may want to keep you on, and yet your time in the U.S. is nearing its limit. If you are on an L‑1B (Specialized Knowledge) visa, that cap comes after five years. For L‑1A (Executive or Manager) visa holders, it is seven. Once you hit that maximum stay, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will not allow an extension, even if your assignment and contract continue.
Many people on L‑1 visas reach the end of their allowed stay simply because their assignments have gone well and their careers are moving forward. It’s a common scenario, and it doesn’t always mean you have to leave the U.S. right away. Depending on your role, your employer’s support, and your long-term plans, there may still be ways to continue working in the U.S. legally.
Apply for a Green Card
If your employer is supportive, applying for a green card can be one of the most straightforward ways to remain in the U.S. long term.
L‑1A visa holders may qualify under the Employment-Based First Preference (EB‑1C) category for multinational executives or managers. This path doesn’t require Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) labor certification and is often quicker than other routes.
L‑1B visa holders typically apply under the Employment-Based Second Preference (EB‑2) or Employment-Based Third Preference (EB‑3) categories. These require a PERM labor certification and can take longer, but they are solid options if your employer is on board.
Because green card processing can take time, it’s best to start early. If your Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker (Form I‑140) is approved and a visa number is available, you may be eligible to stay in the U.S. while your adjustment of status is pending.
Change to a Different Work Visa
If a green card isn’t the right fit for your situation, there may be another temporary visa that allows you to continue working.
The H‑1B (Specialty Occupation Worker) visa is available for jobs that require at least a bachelor’s degree. These are capped annually and require a random selection unless the sponsoring employer is exempt.
The O‑1 (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability) visa is for those who can show significant achievement in areas like science, education, or business.
TN (Trade NAFTA) visas are available for Canadian and Mexican professionals under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Each visa type comes with its own criteria and paperwork, and some may require leaving the U.S. before re-entering with the new visa.
Use the Grace Period if You Need Time
If your visa expires or your job ends, USCIS may allow you a grace period of up to 60 days. This gives you time to apply for another status, file a new petition, or make travel arrangements. While it isn’t guaranteed, it’s commonly granted if you act within that window.
Recapture Time Spent Outside the U.S.
If you’ve traveled internationally during your time in L‑1 status, that time might not count against your visa cap. In some cases, your employer can request to recapture those days by showing travel records. If approved, this could give you some additional time in L‑1 status.
Leave the U.S. and Reapply After One Year Abroad
If none of the other options work for you, there is still a possible long-term route. You can return to your company’s foreign office and work there for at least one continuous year. After that, you may become eligible for a new L‑1 visa, assuming you still meet all the standard requirements.