Can i apply for L1b after getting stamping for H1b

[supernova]

Hi

I got my H1b stamped on Sep 2008 by a US Consultancy, then on I lost touch with the consultancy as there was recession. Then i sent several mails to the Consultancy but didn't get any response.

Now i'm working for an MNC in india and i have around 3 year experience in this company. Company started initiating a L1 Blanket visa for me.

I have few questions

1) Will i get the L1b stamping if i already have a H1B stamping ?
2) Will i get any qns from the embassy during stamping - why i have not used my H1B till now ?
3) In future if required can i request for an extension of H1b which i have not used ?
4) Will my H1b go void if i go for a L1b with a new company ?
5) What are the benefits of L1b when compared to a H1B?
6) In case if I work in US in L1B and return back to India, can i still use my old H1B visa which is valid till Sep 2011 ?

[shervin143]

1) Will i get the L1b stamping if i already have a H1B stamping ?
>>> Yes.

2) Will i get any qns from the embassy during stamping - why i have not used my H1B till now ?
>>> You may. Explain that the project didn't start and so you couldn't travel.

3) In future if required can i request for an extension of H1b which i have not used ?
>>> Extension is possible only when you are already in H1B status. Your current H1B employer or a new employer can apply a new H1B petition using the CAP from the current petition and request an immediate start date (no need to wait until Oct 1st)

4) Will my H1b go void if i go for a L1b with a new company ?
>>> No. The petition will remain valid until it's expiry date provided the petition is not revoked by the employer.

5) What are the benefits of L1b when compared to a H1B?
>>> L1B is an intra company transfer. You can work only for the company who petitioned you to work in L1. In H1B, any company can file a transfer and get you under their payroll.

6) In case if I work in US in L1B and return back to India, can i still use my old H1B visa which is valid till Sep 2011 ?
>>> Most likely your H1B visa will be cancelled when you go for L1 interview. If they decide to leave it valid, then you can use it.

[supernova]

Thanks a lot for you reply..

1) Will i get the L1b stamping if i already have a H1B stamping ?
>>> Yes.

2) Will i get any qns from the embassy during stamping - why i have not used my H1B till now ?
>>> You may. Explain that the project didn't start and so you couldn't travel.

3) In future if required can i request for an extension of H1b which i have not used ?
>>> Extension is possible only when you are already in H1B status. Your current H1B employer or a new employer can apply a new H1B petition using the CAP from the current petition and request an immediate start date (no need to wait until Oct 1st)

4) Will my H1b go void if i go for a L1b with a new company ?
>>> No. The petition will remain valid until it's expiry date provided the petition is not revoked by the employer.

5) What are the benefits of L1b when compared to a H1B?
>>> L1B is an intra company transfer. You can work only for the company who petitioned you to work in L1. In H1B, any company can file a transfer and get you under their payroll.

6) In case if I work in US in L1B and return back to India, can i still use my old H1B visa which is valid till Sep 2011 ?
>>> Most likely your H1B visa will be cancelled when you go for L1 interview. If they decide to leave it valid, then you can use it.