On L1B visa, getting expired on Feb 2015, planning to travel India

[teju]

Hi
Currently I'm on L1b which is expiring on Feb 2015. My current i4 valid until mid of 2016.

I'm planning to travel india for a month vacation and back by end of dec'14. Can you please help my understand the answers for beow situation.

1. Can i travel with this situation?
2. When is the right time to apply for my L1B extension?
3. If by any chance i get same i94 when i return, do i need to apply for my extension? Or wait until my i94 expiry?


Appreciate you help here.

[raghvi]

Hi
Currently I'm on L1b which is expiring on Feb 2015. My current i4 valid until mid of 2016.

I'm planning to travel india for a month vacation and back by end of dec'14. Can you please help my understand the answers for beow situation.

1. Can i travel with this situation?
2. When is the right time to apply for my L1B extension?
3. If by any chance i get same i94 when i return, do i need to apply for my extension? Or wait until my i94 expiry?


Appreciate you help here.

1. Yes, but be prepared to get an I-94 only till Feb 2015 upon return. With automated I-94 its rare that one gets an I-94 beyond visa/passport expiry.
2. Ideally within 6 Month of I-94 expiry, but many do it late to take advantage of the slow USCIS processing.
3. If you are luck and get I-94 till Mid of 2016, then you should wait till within 6 Months of expiry to apply for extension.

This is my opinion not legal advice.