L1 to H1 situation

[kpulkit]

Hi,

I am working on L1-B visa for company A since last 2 years. Now, back in 2008 I filed an H1 visa through another company B but could not switch to H1 as the market was bad and H1 employer could not find a project for me. However, I did a leapfrog and retained my L-1 status...so as of now I never switched to H1 and my status has always been L1-B in USA.

Now, I have following questions:

1) I understand that my H1, which was approved in 2008, would be null and void at this point of time. What are the options to revive that H1 and switch to H1 now? Do I need to file another petition for that or can just start working?

2) Can I get that H1 transferred to some other company C with L1-B pay stubs (I don't have H1 pay stubs as I work on L1)?

3) If I file a new H1 from another company C, would that be appropriate? I mean how is the situation these days for new H1s?

Appreciate your guidance on these concerns.

Thanks
Paul

[sk4ih]

1) If not revoked by employer, yur H1 would still be active until expiry date. You can start working after Change-of-status from L1 to H1 is approved.

2) Yes.

3) Not very good for H1's. EAD and GC/Citizens preferred. But not as bad as 2009, though.