What happens if my visa extension is denied while my green card application is pending?
I filed to extend my L-1 work visa in September. I’m also preparing my I-485 (green card application) under the employment-based second preference — I’d like to know if it could be a problem if my L-1 extension is not approved.
If you filed an L-1 extension, you may continue working lawfully for 120 days even after your current L-1 status has technically expired. There’s an interconnected set of issues here — the denial of the extension after expiration, the 180-day unauthorized-employment issue, and whether that period can be excused — so an in-person consultation with an attorney would be advisable.