H1-H4-L1 -- Number of years on L1

[Leks]

Hi,

Here is my Case...
I was on H1 B visa and in US from Nov 2004 till May 2009 and took a long leave for an year.So during May 2009 - till date I am on H4 and I was in US mostly. I am planning to go back to India and join my employer and apply for L1. Now here is my question
1) If L1 gets approved how many years will be my Visa valid( will it be just 1.5 years?(6-4.5 years of H1))
2) If my husband have to change status from H1 to L2 can he get the EAD and start working staying in US or do we have to travel outside US for stamping ?

Thanks in advance.
Leks

[immihelp]

1.
L1B - 5 - 4.5 years = 6 months
L1A - 7 - 4.5 years = 2.5 years

2.
He can start working in the U.S. No need to go for stamping. Stamping is needed only if he goes out of the U.S. and wants to enter back.

[Leks]

Thank you

Hmmm.. that is interesting.

Thanks for the quick reply. Do you know if this is a recent change to combine H1 and L1 visa period together to calculate the max time of stay or was it always like that?

[immihelp]

It has always been like that.

However, if you were in the U.S. for last 4.5 years, how could you have worked for the foreign employer for at least 1 year in last 3 years to qualify for L1 visa anyway?