H1b visa issue

[rekha_golani]

My friend came in to US on H1B visa in 2001 and returned back to India in 2002. His H1B visa expired in 2003. In 2004 his company filed L1 visa for him and he came in on L1 visa to US in 2004 and since then he is in US. Now he wants to switch job this year.
-> Does he have to file a new H1B?
-> Does he fall under the visa cap of 65000?
-> Does he need to file the new visa application by April 1st 2007?
-> Will he be able to join a company as soon as H1 visa approval or has to wait till Oct 2007?

Will really appreciate a quick response.

Thanks,
Rekha

[Subramanya]

H1 issues

My friend came in to US on H1B visa in 2001 and returned back to India in 2002. His H1B visa expired in 2003. In 2004 his company filed L1 visa for him and he came in on L1 visa to US in 2004 and since then he is in US. Now he wants to switch job this year.

-> Does he have to file a new H1B?

---- Yes

-> Does he fall under the visa cap of 65000?

---- Yes

-> Does he need to file the new visa application by April 1st 2007?

---- Yes

-> Will he be able to join a company as soon as H1 visa approval or has to wait till Oct 2007?

---- Normally, wait till OCt. 12007 as this is a fresh H1

Subramanya