B1 after reaching 5 year L1 cap

[sharathmbk]

Dear all,

My company has been pushing me for B1 visa. I have completed full 5 year stay on L1 and I personally don't want to go for B1 visa. Is it possible to apply for B1 at all ? Because as I heard from others, I would have to remain out of country at least for 1 year before entering US on any visa.

Please help !

[goomail]

B1 is Business travel purpose visa and it is not replacement for L1, where you can stay for long and work in US. Now, to get a new L1, you must stay out of US one year or more. Otherwise, your employer can file a H1, where you will get one more year (total 6 years (L1+H1)). or L1A, if you qualify and you will get 2 more years.