Traveling Abroad on an L Visa After Not Following Through on a Green Card Lottery Selection
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Reviewed & verified by A. Jason Velez, Esq.*
Managing Attorney, 1LAW · Last reviewed May 29, 2026
Legal Inquiry
Consumer Legal Issue
Basically, I was selected in the green card lottery, but decided not to follow throufh. So, I never filed my i485, just the initial application and the form you do immediately after. I am on an L visa, I just want to check there's going to be no issues with me travelling to the UK and back, with the current green card application updates.
Attorney Answer
Whether it's safe to travel to the UK and back depends on facts that remain unconfirmed — a single "Yes" doesn't clearly establish either that USCIS has sent correspondence or that your L visa is currently valid with enough time left to re-enter.
First, there is no pending green card application in this case. You were selected in the green card lottery but never filed Form I-485, so the adjustment-of-status process was never formally started — this is an abandoned lottery selection, not a pending application.
Separately, pursuing or having pursued permanent residency does not by itself put L status at risk. Under INA § 214(h), being the beneficiary of an immigrant petition or otherwise seeking permanent residence is not itself evidence of intent to abandon a foreign residence for purposes of L nonimmigrant status — this is the statutory basis for "dual intent" in the L category. So the lottery selection, standing alone, would not have jeopardized L status.
What actually matters for this trip is whether the L visa is currently valid with sufficient remaining validity to permit re-entry, and whether USCIS has sent any correspondence relevant to status. Neither point is clearly confirmed in the record.
What you can do:
1. Check the L visa stamp and underlying petition approval notice for the actual expiration date before booking travel.
2. Review mail and any USCIS online account for correspondence related to status.
3. Confirm there is no outstanding action needed regarding the abandoned lottery selection.
4. Consult an immigration attorney to verify both points before traveling, given the ambiguity in the record.
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Federal Immigration Resources
- Visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to check case status, forms, and official immigration guidance.
- Visit Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) to find immigration court information and hearing details.
- Visit ImmigrationLawHelp.org to find nonprofit immigration legal-service providers near you.
- Use the LSC — Find Legal Aid to find a local legal-aid office by ZIP code.
- Use the ABA Lawyer Referral Directory to get matched with a local attorney through your state bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does pursuing a green card put someone's L visa status at risk?
Generally, no; seeking permanent residence is not itself evidence of abandoning nonimmigrant intent for L status, under the recognized "dual intent" doctrine.
Is anything required if someone decides not to pursue a green card lottery selection?
Generally, if the follow-up application was never filed, there is no pending case to withdraw, though it is wise to confirm there is no outstanding correspondence about it.
What should be checked before international travel on a nonimmigrant visa?
Generally, confirming that the visa and underlying petition remain valid long enough to permit reentry, and reviewing any pending correspondence from immigration authorities.
