L1 to H1 status change

[ANC]

Hi,

I am on L1 visa, currently in US. Planning to apply for H1. I came to know that I can apply for H1 with status change. (No need to go to India for H1 stamping)

Will the status get change from L1 to H1 automatically once the H1 is approved ?

Or after getting approval of H1, can I change the status when I require ?

Thanks

[veena_swsh]

There will be a petition called as the I 539 that will be filed alongwith your approval for H1B. You will get an I94 attched to the bottom of your I797 indicating that your change of status has been approved, in which case, you will have to start employment on H1B.

[ANC]

HI Veena,

Thanks for this information.

I was looking for a point ,
where I can decide when I want to change the status ?

Like this:
I am on L1
I can get H1 while I am in US.
I can change status to H1 when I need.

Is this possible ?

Thanks very much

[veena_swsh]

Hi
You should ask your employer/attorney. If they have filoed for the COS already, then your I 797 will come with an I 94 attached to its bottom signifying that your COS has already been approved. Other wise, the I 797 of the H1B will state that you will require an H1B visa stamp to commence employment.