L-1B Extension

[Senthilkr87]

My L-1B VISA is expiring in Oct 2021, since US consulates are closed in India, looking for suggestion to apply for L-1B extension, consulates in Canada are not doing L-1B VISA / extension processing right now.. Any idea if US consulates in Mexico are accepting L-1B extension applications?

Is filing for L-1B extension inland with USCIS without traveling outside US is a good option? how is the scrutiny if filed for extension inland vs. traveling outside US for VISA extension?

My VISA expiration is in Oct 2021, what is the recommended timeframe before which I should have got the L-1B extension?

Appreciate your responses !!

[Libra_14]

Visa & petition (extension) are 2 different things. You really do not need a new visa, if you do not want to move out of USA & re-enter.

Filing extension within USA is the first thing you'll need to do - before moving out of USA (if you want to come back).

You can file petition extension anytime before 6 months of petition expiry.

[Senthilkr87]

Hello Sir,
thanks for your response..
Do you know if any US consulates (India / Canada / Mexico) are open for L-1B VISA extension processing?
I have been suggested that applying at the consulate is more straight forward and quick vs. applying at the USCIS which would be more heavily scrutinized and highly likely that I will get a RFE..
Please provide your suggestions sir.

[Libra_14]

Hello Sir,
thanks for your response..
Do you know if any US consulates (India / Canada / Mexico) are open for L-1B VISA extension processing?
I have been suggested that applying at the consulate is more straight forward and quick vs. applying at the USCIS which would be more heavily scrutinized and highly likely that I will get a RFE..
Please provide your suggestions sir.

I am not sure what do you mean by visa extension at consulates in other countries.

As mentioned earlier "Visa & petition (extension) are 2 different things." To renew your visa you first need to have your petition extension approved.

Then only you can visit outside USA for visa stamping (if you do not want to visit outside USA - you can stay in USA with pending or approved petition - no need of new visa if staying within USA).

[Senthilkr87]

Hello Sir,
thanks for the follow up..
What I meant to ask is the Petition extension..
Do you know if any US consulates (India / Canada / Mexico) are open for petition extension processing?
I have been suggested that applying at the consulate is more straight forward and quick vs. applying at the USCIS which would be more heavily scrutinized and highly likely that I will get a RFE..
Please provide your suggestions sir.

[Senthilkr87]

I am applying for extension under L-1B blanket petition

[Libra_14]

Do you know if any US consulates (India / Canada / Mexico) are open for petition extension processing?

Petition is only processed/extended by USCIS in USA - not outside.

I have been suggested that applying at the consulate is more straight forward and quick vs. applying at the USCIS which would be more heavily scrutinized and highly likely that I will get a RFE..

Almost everyone living in USA on L1 visas file their extension to USCIS in USA only & get it approved (there are chances of RFE & denial, but approval rates are high with USCIS).