Question on 7 year cycle in US

[roseflower2425]

Hi,
I stayed in US from Jul-2008 to 22-Mar-2010 on L1B(blanket) visa. My Visa got expired on 8-Apr-2011.
I got by new L1B(blanket) stamped on 15-Apr-2011(travelled to US on 16-May-11) and my visa is valid till Mar-2014.

My question is do I eligible for 7 yr cycle starting from Apr-2011 as I stayed for more than 1 year outsite US (22-Mar-10 to 15-May-11)
Please help me in clarifying my question.

[raghvi]

Hi,
I stayed in US from Jul-2008 to 22-Mar-2010 on L1B(blanket) visa. My Visa got expired on 8-Apr-2011.
I got by new L1B(blanket) stamped on 15-Apr-2011(travelled to US on 16-May-11) and my visa is valid till Mar-2014.

My question is do I eligible for 7 yr cycle starting from Apr-2011 as I stayed for more than 1 year outsite US (22-Mar-10 to 15-May-11)
Please help me in clarifying my question.

First of all, L1B can be valid for 5 Year , L1A can be valid for 7 years. Secondly USCIS looks at the time difference exit and filing of next petition to determine the clock reset. So even if you left US on 22-Mar-2010 if your employer filed a L1 petition for you before 22-Mar-2011 in most likelihood the 1 Year clock didn't get reset. I would advise checking with your employer's immigration lawyer/team to ascertain whether your 1 Year outside stay is counted or not.

This is my opinion not legal advice.