L1 Extension - When does extension start?

[redviking]

Hello -

I have three questions regarding the L1 extension process:

1) What is the start date of the new visa's validity period (L1 Extension) - the date I make an appointment for visa stamping at the consulate or the date when the old visa/ I-94 expires?

2) How long before I-94 expires should I apply for extension?

3) When application is processed and RFE response is given for petition, how long do I have to make an appointment at the consulate (i.e. what is the validity for the petition?)?


Appreciate your answers.

Thank you,
Viking

[shervin143]

1) What is the start date of the new visa's validity period (L1 Extension) - the date I make an appointment for visa stamping at the consulate or the date when the old visa/ I-94 expires?
>> Validity of the visa can be checked on your stamped L1 visa in the passport. validity of the petition can be checked on the approval notice.

2) How long before I-94 expires should I apply for extension?
>>> 6 months.

3) When application is processed and RFE response is given for petition, how long do I have to make an appointment at the consulate (i.e. what is the validity for the petition?)?
>>> Not sure what you are asking. RFE is issued when you file a petition with USCIS. Without the approval notice you cannot make any appointment at the consulate. Are you asking about 221g from the consulate? Irrespective of what, the validity of the petition can be checked on the approval notice.

[redviking]

Thanks for your reply.

So the validity of the petition can be checked on the approval notice, but what I really want to know is (before I even have the approval notice or apply for the extension):

Does the validity usually start from the date my original visa expires (which is logical) or from the date I get the approval notice?

Thank you,
Viking

[shervin143]

Did you take a look at the approval notice? There are two dates on it. It says "Valid from" and "valid to". Your validity starts from the "Valid From" date.

Thanks for your reply.

So the validity of the petition can be checked on the approval notice, but what I really want to know is (before I even have the approval notice or apply for the extension):

Does the validity usually start from the date my original visa expires (which is logical) or from the date I get the approval notice?

Thank you,
Viking

[redviking]

I do not have the approval notice yet as I have not applied for it yet.

However, before I do this, I wanted to know (from your previous experience) if the "Valid From" date would be seamless to when the original visa expiration date?

Thanks.

[shervin143]

If this is a new H1B or a transfer, then the "Valid From" date will be based on date entered while filing I129 by the employer (Employer can request the date from when they want you to be in their H1B). If it is a transfer, then it will be immediately after the expiry date of the previous petition. Visa expiration has nothing to do with the petition valid from date.

I do not have the approval notice yet as I have not applied for it yet.

However, before I do this, I wanted to know (from your previous experience) if the "Valid From" date would be seamless to when the original visa expiration date?

Thanks.