L1B to L1A : Please help!!!!

[Rahul1234567]

Hi,

I travelled to the US in March 2013 first on L1B visa which is currently valid till Sept 2015. Last year in September, i got promoted to a managerial role. I am planning to apply for a change of status to L1A. I have the following questions.

1. What is the difference between an application under "Change of Status from L1B to L1A" and "Fresh L1A Application"?

2. If i apply for a change of status and it gets approved, will the validity of L1A be only till Sept 2015 (my current L1B date) or will it be a new date which will be decided by USCIS?

3. Should i be in a managerial role in the US for atleast 6 months before i can apply for an L1A?

4. One of the rules on USCIS website mentions that for L1A, one needs to be a manager for a continuous period of 1 year before entry into US. Is this rule not applicable for a Change of Status?

Thanks in advance!

[Rahul1234567]

Would really appreciate if any of the experts can provide the information.

[raghvi]

Hi,

I travelled to the US in March 2013 first on L1B visa which is currently valid till Sept 2015. Last year in September, i got promoted to a managerial role. I am planning to apply for a change of status to L1A. I have the following questions.

1. What is the difference between an application under "Change of Status from L1B to L1A" and "Fresh L1A Application"?

2. If i apply for a change of status and it gets approved, will the validity of L1A be only till Sept 2015 (my current L1B date) or will it be a new date which will be decided by USCIS?

3. Should i be in a managerial role in the US for atleast 6 months before i can apply for an L1A?

4. One of the rules on USCIS website mentions that for L1A, one needs to be a manager for a continuous period of 1 year before entry into US. Is this rule not applicable for a Change of Status?

Thanks in advance!

1. None as such in your case as you are not leaving US.
2. It will be the date requested by your employer and what USCIS feels is appropriate.
3. The promotion must occur at least six months before the expiration of L-1B status.
4. That is when you are outside US. One can be on L1B and get promoted and move to L1A. The 1 Year requirement generally gets in to the picture is while applying GC under EB1c.

This is my opinion not legal advice.