Laid Off on L-1: Grace Period and Your Options
If your L-1 job ends, you may have up to 60 days, or until your I-94 ends if sooner, to change status, find a new sponsor or leave. Unlike H-1B, you cannot start a new job just by having a petition filed. You must wait for approval.
Every job is from an employer that filed H1Bs in 2025. See which ones fit your resume.
How the grace period works
Under 8 CFR 214.1(l)(2), L-1 workers get the same grace period as H-1B workers. USCIS explains it in its guidance for workers whose jobs end.
- Up to 60 consecutive days, or until your authorized stay ends, whichever is shorter.
- It starts the day after your employment ends.
- It is available once per authorized validity period.
- It is discretionary, and you cannot work during it.
- Leaving the US ends it.
Why you cannot transfer an L-1
An L-1 only works within your company group. A new, unrelated employer cannot take it over.
A related company in the same group might file a new L-1 for you. Ask HR about openings at affiliates before your last day.
| Employer | Transfers | All filings | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.Com Services LLC | 2,382 | 14,047 | $155k |
| Meta Platforms Inc | 1,437 | 5,492 | $204k |
| Compunnel Software Group Inc | 1,041 | 2,276 | $110k |
| Nvidia Corporation | 1,036 | 1,863 | $187k |
| Apple Inc | 916 | 6,539 | $175k |
| Microsoft CorporationGC frozen | 879 | 7,840 | $173k |
Option 1: H-1B
A cap-subject employer needs a lottery win. Registration happens each March, so timing rarely fits a layoff.
A cap-exempt employer, such as a university, can file any time. If you held H-1B before and were counted against the cap, a new employer may file without the lottery. Our L-1 to H-1B guide explains this, and H1B sponsors lists active filers.
USCIS says portability, which lets you start work on filing, applies to H-1B workers. Coming from L-1, plan to wait for approval.
Option 2: Another status
- TN, E-3 or H-1B1, if you are a citizen of Canada or Mexico, Australia, or Singapore or Chile.
- O-1, if you have extraordinary ability evidence.
- L-2 or H-4, if your spouse holds L-1 or H-1B status. As an L-2 spouse, you are work authorized once the change takes effect.
- B-2 visitor status, to buy time. You can search and interview but not work.
- F-1, if you will study.
Option 3: Green card steps
If your priority date is current, you may be able to file an I-485 and stay while it is pending.
If you have an approved I-140 but no visa number is available, you may qualify for a compelling circumstances EAD. It is discretionary and lasts up to one year. Get advice first, because it has trade-offs.
Option 4: Leave and return
If nothing is filed in time, you and your family may need to leave by the end of the grace period.
Leaving does not end your chances. A new employer can still petition for you from abroad. If your company dismisses you before your L-1 ends, ask about return travel costs.
Use match sponsor jobs to your resume to find employers with a filing history. See the L-1 hub for basics.
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm your situation with an immigration attorney before you act.
Questions
Do L-1 workers get a 60-day grace period?
Yes. USCIS lists L-1 among the classifications eligible for up to 60 days, or until your authorized stay ends if sooner.
Can I transfer my L-1 to another company?
No, not to an unrelated company. A related company in your group may be able to file a new L-1.
Can I start a new job as soon as a petition is filed?
Generally no, if you are coming from L-1. Wait for approval of the new status.
Can my L-2 spouse keep working after my layoff?
USCIS says a spouse's work authorization stays valid during the grace period. It ends if your status ends.
Does my L-1 layoff affect my green card?
Usually, if it was tied to that employer. An I-140 approved 180 days or more is generally not automatically revoked by withdrawal.
Sources
- USCIS: Options for Nonimmigrant Workers Following Termination of Employment
- 8 CFR 214.1 (grace periods), eCFR
- USCIS: L-1A Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager
- USCIS: L-1B Intracompany Transferee Specialized Knowledge
- 8 CFR 205.1 (automatic revocation), eCFR
