L1 Max out

[arpitaggarwal89]

My L1 visa will max out on Dec 2023. Currently i am still at job posting/recruitment phase, which will be followed by perm, I-140 etc. Till what stage the process should reach for continued work authorization after Dec 2023? Will i have to wait for I-140 for automatic L1 visa renewals? If not are there other options ?

[Libra_14]

Is it L1A or L1B? I assume you are on L1B & hence filing green card under EB2/EB3 category.

Also, there is nothing like "automatic L1 visa renewal".

With L1B, a person may remain in L1B status for a maximum of 5 years. An approved I-140 cannot be used as a basis to extend L1B status beyond the 5-year max. Rather, to be eligible to return in L1B status, one typically would need to leave the U.S. and work in a qualifying position with the foreign employer for at least 365 days.

Another option may be to switch to H1B status, which can be extended beyond the normal 6-year limit based on the approved I-140 petition.