Need information regarding L1 visa validity

[mjose]

Hi,

My employer processed my L1 Blanket petition and I got my L1 visa stamped two years back. But because of some priority changes in the project I didn't get a chance to travel and now I have an option to travel. I have the following question,

1) My visa is valid only for 8 more months. So if I go now, how long I can stay in US? Is it three years from the date I reach US or till the validity mentioned in the visa expires (ie. 8 months from now)?

2) What is the procedure for renewing the visa? Can I do this staying in US itself or should I come back?

Kindly help me on this!

Thanks
Jose

[sk4ih]

1) You can stay up to 8 months. After that you should apply for extension.
2) Yes, your employer will do it.

[shervin143]

The I-94 that you receive at the POE will let you know until when you can legally stay in U.S. Visa is just an entry document. Usually, the I-94 will be issued until the petition expiry date or until the visa expiry date. But for L1 Blanket petitions, sometimes, they will issue you an I-94 for the whole 3 years irrespective of the visa expiry. If you want to stay beyond the I-94 expiry date, then an extension of stay need to be filed by your employer within 6 months of the I-94 expiry date.

1) My visa is valid only for 8 more months. So if I go now, how long I can stay in US? Is it three years from the date I reach US or till the validity mentioned in the visa expires (ie. 8 months from now)?

[mjose]

Thanks much for the information.

Thanks,
Jose