L1B Extension and new L1A

[ps316]

Hi,

I am in US on L1B VISA with expiry date of 19 Jan 2014 but my I94 is valid till 20 June 2015. I have few questions,

1. Can I apply for L1B extension now as VISA expiry date is passed but I94 is still valid?
2. My company attorney says that if we apply for extension now they will reject it saying I94 is still valid. Is is it true, if yes by when I can apply for extension?
3. As my skills and area of work is also handing management activities so can I apply for L1A now from US itself? One of my friend also did same but his L1B was valid at the time he applied for L1A.
4. Can I apply for new L1B from US itself or I need to travel outside US for that?

Please let me know about it. Thanks in advance.

[raghvi]

Hi,

I am in US on L1B VISA with expiry date of 19 Jan 2014 but my I94 is valid till 20 June 2015. I have few questions,

1. Can I apply for L1B extension now as VISA expiry date is passed but I94 is still valid?
2. My company attorney says that if we apply for extension now they will reject it saying I94 is still valid. Is is it true, if yes by when I can apply for extension?
3. As my skills and area of work is also handing management activities so can I apply for L1A now from US itself? One of my friend also did same but his L1B was valid at the time he applied for L1A.
4. Can I apply for new L1B from US itself or I need to travel outside US for that?

Please let me know about it. Thanks in advance.

1. Whats the purpose of extension when you already have I-94 till June 2015. Remember extension is requested to extend I-94 , one cannot extend the visa while in US. For getting a new visa with extended date, you have to leave US and attend visa interview at a US consulate outside US.
2. Yes. The earliest you can apply would be Jan 2015 6 Months before I-94 expiry.
3. If you have got promoted an L1 amendment with a Change of Status from L1B to L1A can be applied.
4. New visa stamping can only be done outside US.

This is my opinion not legal advice.

[ps316]

1. Whats the purpose of extension when you already have I-94 till June 2015. Remember extension is requested to extend I-94 , one cannot extend the visa while in US. For getting a new visa with extended date, you have to leave US and attend visa interview at a US consulate outside US.
2. Yes. The earliest you can apply would be Jan 2015 6 Months before I-94 expiry.
3. If you have got promoted an L1 amendment with a Change of Status from L1B to L1A can be applied.
4. New visa stamping can only be done outside US.

This is my opinion not legal advice.

Thanks Raghvi for your opinion,

Now my company is giving me two options
- L1B extension which you said will be an extension of I94, and in this case I cannot travel outside US and come back without getting new VISA. And I guess it will be extended for another 2 years which is remaining period for me of L1B 5 years limit?
- L1A change of status, in this case I will get new VISA expiry date OR it will still go with my existing I94? Like I will be able to go out of US and just get stamping for L1A and not new VISA, and come back to US? Also I have 3 resources reporting to me in US and 5-6 in offshore will that be enough to put up case for L1A

Please let me know about it.

Thanks in Advance

[madhu.nitha229]

need urgent help regarding l1 fee

Hi, My company is asking me to appear for a blanket L1A visa, but they are asking me to schedule my own interview and pay all the fees inclusive for it.
Ds160 application fee of $160
Blanket L1 fee of $500
Border security fee of $2250

My interview needs to happen in another one week and I am not sure whether it is legal or even my responsibility to pay these fees. Please clarify.