Please help with L1 visa validity information

[mjose]

Hi,

I got my L1(Blanket) visa stamped almost 3 years back. I haven't travelled yet and visa is valid only for 40 more days. Now I have an option to travel in two weeks. I have following questions,

1) Since the visa is valid only for few more days, by any chance is it possible that I may be send back/deported from the Point Of Entry in US?

2) Considering that after reaching US my visa will be valid only for few days(say 20 days), would that time be sufficient for my employer to apply for an extension?

3) My wife and 10 month old kid also have L2 visa with the same validity as mine. Given the cirumstances is it advisable to take them alone with me while travelling?

4) If I decide to take them later, when exactly would they be able to travel? Would that be possible for them to travel once my employer apply for my visa extension, or should they wait until the extension is approved?

Kindly help me with my queries.

Thanks,
Jose

[kabkaba]

For L1 blanket petition, duration of stay is decided at the port of entry and usually it is 3 years. Visa only has to be valid on the day you travel.

[mjose]

Thank you so much for the response..!!

Regards,
Jose

[bittu218]

>> Entry to US:
Yes, you should be able to get in since you have a valid permit (i.e. L1 visa) for entry.
>> Extending L1, after arrival in US:
This can be done in the limited time you have. Advise would be to have all the paperwork ready before you arrive so that as soon as you land, the application can be sent. You should be able to stay and work legally, while the outcome of your L1 extension is pending, based on the I-94 you will get at the POE. The I-94 you get at the POE is the key here. You can get it for 3 years or 1 year or even only till the last day of your visa validity date (there is no sure answer),it's all upto the discretion of the immigration officer at the POE.

>> getting your dependents to travel with you
It really is your personal decision and you need to evaluate the situation. Legally the same things apply to them, as you.