Dr. William:

I am in U.S. with L-1 working visa for more than 1 year. My company will be merged into another company soon. Can I continue to work for the new employer with my L-1 status?

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Answer:

A mergers can adversely impact the ability of a L-1 visa holder to continue working for the new company. The eligibility for L status depends on the existence of certain relationships that qualify the employer to request the L status for the foreign worker. In certain merger transactions the relationship may be terminated. 

When such a relationship qualifying the company to ask for the L status for a foreign national exists but has been changed or the worker is moved to a different related entity, a new petition may need to be be filed with the USCIS to amend the prior approval.