Valid L1 visa but I-94 will expire soon

[jack1982]

Hi,

I have an L1 B visa valid until April 2014 and I am currently working in the US for ABC company. Since my current passport will expire in August 2013, the I-94 also has the same expiration date on it. I will get my passport renewed in December 2012. What should I do get the I-94 extended?

1. Do I need to go to my home country (India) and return to the US for a new date in the I-94?
2. Can I go to Canada and return to US to get the new I-94 date?
3. Can I file an extension with the USCIS instead? If so, what are the complications doing that?
4. What will be the extension period given for the I-94? I understand it totally depends on the Immigration officer but just wanted to know if they will give me a date as that of the Visa Expiration date or is there a possibility that they can give me 1 or more years extra?

My questions could be very silly, but please give me your valuable advice. I really appreciate your help. Many thanks!

Regards,
Jack

[binoca82]

You just need to leave US and reenter with both passports.
If you are going to Canada, you should make sure that you surrender you current I94 while leaving and get a new upon reentry. (because, usually they won't take/issue i94s for short term trips to Canada.)

[raghvi]

You dont need to go out of US. First try going to nearest CBP Post and see if they can give you a new I-94 based on the renewed passport. If not, you can file for extension of status through I539 after getting a renewed passport. Since your current I-94 is valid till August 2013 you can apply for extension only after Feb 2013 (Max 6 Months before I-94 expiry).

This is my opinion not legal advice.

[jack1982]

Hi binoca82, Thanks for your reply. I really appreciate it. I have gone to Canada a couple of times by road but they never have asked me to surrender the I-94 and I have never inquired about it as well. Will they remove the I-94 upon my request (in the booth) or is there a procedure to do that, meaning do I need to go the office (in the border) and get it done. Many thanks !

Regards,
Jack

- - - Updated - - -

Hi Raghvi, thanks for your reply. I really appreciate it. I will contact the nearest CBP office and inquire about the procedure. One quick question, If I need to apply for an I-94 extn then should it go through my company or can I do it by myself? Many thanks!

Regards,
Jack