L1B extension question

[slinger]

Hi,

My L1B visa is valid till Dec-2016. Also the I-94 is valid till the same date as visa validity. My company is planning to a visa extension.

1.When they should start the extension process. I guess it can start as early as 6 months before visa expiry date.
2. While this L1 extension is process, can I go to India and comeback during Sep-Oct.
3. Do I have to submit the passport during L1 extension? or I just need to send passport to the consulate for getting new stamping if its approved?

Thanks for the help

[raghvi]

Hi,

My L1B visa is valid till Dec-2016. Also the I-94 is valid till the same date as visa validity. My company is planning to a visa extension.

1.When they should start the extension process. I guess it can start as early as 6 months before visa expiry date.
2. While this L1 extension is process, can I go to India and comeback during Sep-Oct.
3. Do I have to submit the passport during L1 extension? or I just need to send passport to the consulate for getting new stamping if its approved?

Thanks for the help

1. Yes they can start as early as 6 Months before I-94 expiry.
2. I would advise you dont do that. Extension is basically requesting extension of stay and work authorization, so if you leave after applying for extension, the purpose of extension itself hold little meaning.
3. Passport need not be submitted while filing extension request when in US. You have to understand that extension while in US, if approved, allows you only to stay and work, it does not get you a new visa stamp in the passport. In order to get a new visa in passport you have to attend L1 visa interview at a US consulate outside US.
So what it basically means is that even if extension is approved, if and when you leave US, after Dec 2016, in order for you to come back you have to go for visa interview and get a new visa stamped in the passport.

This is my opinion not legal advice.