B1 to L1 VISA CONVERSION

[bhargav$]

I came to US on B1/B2 Visa for business purpose.
But the meetings require more time ...
for long terms, do we need to change the visa status to L1
If L1 is approved..should i need to go back to my home country and return on L1 visa or can be done staying in US only
Pl clarify

[raghvi]

I came to US on B1/B2 Visa for business purpose.
But the meetings require more time ...
for long terms, do we need to change the visa status to L1
If L1 is approved..should i need to go back to my home country and return on L1 visa or can be done staying in US only
Pl clarify

Technically it can be done while in US but USCIS doesn't like such conversions and gives a tough time accepting unless genuine concrete business impacting financial reasons are provided. It wouldn't be easy without a good immigration lawyer to help you/your employer out.

This is my opinion not legal advice.

[peace999]

L1 is a petition based visa so you must have an approved petition filed by your employer. You cannot change from B1 to
L1 just like that. If you have an approved petition in hand, you can change status in US. But you will have to get an L1 visa from the embassy to reenter if
you have to travel abroad.