If fired under L1B, can I apply for H1B and work elsewhere ?

[engineer78]

Hi,

I'm currently working in Europe and I've been offered to relocate to my company's HQ in California, under an L1B visa.

I'm a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country, and resident of another. I frequently come to the US on business trips without requiring a Visa.

I'm wondering what would happen if I moved under L1B, and got fired from the company once there. I know you're supposed to leave immediately and in theory there's no grace period.

But what would happen say, if I found a new job within a week and the new employer sponsored me for an H1B as fast as possible ?

- Would I need to leave the US in order to re-enter with a H1B in any case ?
- How fast can an H1B application get through ? Could my application be refused if they see I'm just out of status with the L1B ?
- In the meantime, could I switch to another business Visa (B2 ?) or be under VWP ?

What's the best solution in this case ? Will I definitely have to leave the country at least temporarily if I get fired ?

Thanks !