L1-B New Office renewal

[KSC90]

Hi all,

I haven't come across this previously on the Forum, so I decided to stop lurking and post the query myself.

I've been in the US since January on an L1-B visa for a new office opening, with the visa due to expire in December. Given the coronavirus situation, we've not really been able to hire in the US or progress as planned. My question is - will this affect my visa renewal?

Also, when the time comes to get the renewal stamp, will I have to leave the country and have an interview at an embassy again?

Apologies if I seem naive, there's not a whole lot of information out there on L1-Bs coming to open a new office!

[Libra_14]

I've been in the US since January on an L1-B visa for a new office opening, with the visa due to expire in December. Given the coronavirus situation, we've not really been able to hire in the US or progress as planned. My question is - will this affect my visa renewal?

Probably not. You might just need to prove that you are still maintaining the proper business outside USA & still looking to setup your new office.

Also, when the time comes to get the renewal stamp, will I have to leave the country and have an interview at an embassy again?

Well, you don't really need to if you don't want. Visa stamp in your passport is only required when you leave USA & try to re-enter into USA. If you are not planning to leave USA, you can simply file for extension of your petition & continue to stay after December.