L1B Maximum Duration

[dexterz]

Hi,

I did some search and found out that L1B is initially given for 3 years with the possibility of one time extension of 2 years. I want to know when does this 3 + 2 years maximum limit of stay starts...
a) When the L1B status is authorized from USA? or
b) When a visa is stamped based on approved L1B status? or
c) At the time of entry in the USA?

Regards

[shervin143]

It is the time that you spend in U.S under the L1B status.

[dexterz]

Thanks for quick response.

Just to clarify further. Lets say I come to USA one year after approval of L1 status. So will I need to apply for extension after two years in USA or three years in USA?

[shervin143]

You need to apply for the extension before your I-94 (that you receive at the POE) expires.

Thanks for quick response.

Just to clarify further. Lets say I come to USA one year after approval of L1 status. So will I need to apply for extension after two years in USA or three years in USA?

[dexterz]

Ah...
My I-94 date is such that instead of three years, it gave me two years. Thats because I entered USA one year after my L1B status was approved.
Thus I will need to file for extension just two years after my stay here in USA. Now the question I have is, upon the expiry of that extension, will I be able to legally stay for one more year since the "duration of stay" is still four years or I will need to go back to my home country.

[shervin143]

L1B in total is for 5 years. When you are inside U.S, the expiry of the petition doesn't matter. All that matters is the I-94 expiry and you maintaining the valid L1B status. You can apply for extension any number of time until you reach the 5 year limit (You should file for extension before your I-94 expiry). You stay past your I-94 expiry will be considered illegal, unless you file for the extension and get it approved.

Recapturing the time spent outside U.S:
http://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php?p=186693