L1 stay more than 7 years?

[jsimmi_2009]

Hi,

I am in L1A and I have VISA expiring exactly at the end of my 7 years stay (September 2009) and my I-94 'was' also expiring at the end of my 7th year.

However, I went to my home country this month for personal work and came back. This time, my I-94 is stamped till July 2010.

I understand the valid stay for L1A is 7 years maximum and my VISA is also expiring exactly at the end of 7 years. I also understand that I-94 date overrides the VISA date. So, what does this mean? If I continue to stay till the end of my I-94 (July 2010), then I will exceed the 7 years quota for L1A, which is actually ending in September 2009.

Obviously, I would like to do things cleanly and legally. Can someone advice?

Thanks,
J.

[txh1b]

The I-94 was issued erroneously. Any erroneous extensions or stay executed by USCIS or CBP officers cannot be used by an alien to their advantage unless there is an underlying petition/cause that allows for the stay.

You should return at the completition of 7 years to be legal.

[jsimmi_2009]

Thanks for the clarification.

[jsimmi_2009]

I have one more question. I got married about 2 years back. My Wife is here in L2 as my dependent. I had processed EAD for her and she is currently working. When she entered here this week (after a short vacation), her I-94 is now stamped till 2011. As you can see in my previous post, I have to leave this year, due to the completion of my 7 years. But, my Wife is here only for 2 years and is not even close to 7. Can she stay "legally" till 2011 in my absence (as her I-94 is valid till 2011)? I suppose not, but just confirming.

Thanks,
J

[txh1b]

No, she cant stay back.