L1-B Extention and I-94 expiry questions

[guest08]

I have a valid L1-B VISA and expiry date is June 15th 2013. I am travelling to US this week end and my project is expected to be 2.5 years. I have few questions and would appreciate if someone can help with me these.

1) When I should apply for extention of my L1-B VISA?
2) I heard from one of my friend that if you travel just few months before L1-B expiry date, Chances are high and extention would be rejected. Is this True?
2) What would be my I-94 Expiry date when I enter US? Can I stay in US till I-94 Expiry date without applying Extention?

[raghvi]

I have a valid L1-B VISA and expiry date is June 15th 2013. I am travelling to US this week end and my project is expected to be 2.5 years. I have few questions and would appreciate if someone can help with me these.

1) When I should apply for extention of my L1-B VISA?
2) I heard from one of my friend that if you travel just few months before L1-B expiry date, Chances are high and extention would be rejected. Is this True?
2) What would be my I-94 Expiry date when I enter US? Can I stay in US till I-94 Expiry date without applying Extention?

You can request for extension of stay only when you are in US. Once you enter US depending upon your I-94 dates you can file your extension of stay request.

1. You can apply for extension at max 6 Months before and at minimum a day before I-94 expiry.
2. I dont understand, extension is only for stay in US. If you need new visa which is valid beyond June 15th 2013 you will have to file a new petition and go for fresh L1 stamping.
3. No one can predict that, it all depends upon the VO. They can give till June 15th 2013, or for 3 Years or till passport expiry (if within 1 year it is expiring) or anywhere in between. You can legally stay and work on L1 in US till your I-94 expiry date without applying extension. But as I mentioned if you travel outside US after June 15th 2013 in order for you to return to US you will need to get a new visa stamping done.

This is my opinion not legal advice.