L1B Extension & Current Trend

[post2pras]

Hey everybody,
Am new to this forum and heard a lot about the experience and expertise that moves in here. Here is my situation and need your help in getting a few queries clarified -

Am on a L1B Blanket VISA and both my VISA & I-94 expire on the same day - Dec 11, 2011. My company expects me to be here for around a couple of more years and has approved to process my extension the following week but I have these queries in mind -

1. How is the extension scene from US right now? Which one in your view would you suggest - An extension from here or a new VISA from India after the I-94 expiry date?
2. When is the right time to start the extension process? Now or a month before Dec 11, 2011?
3. What if my Extension approval is still pending before the I-94 expiry date? Would there be any complications as am past the I-94 but still awaiting a result from USCIS?
4. And finally, how long am I permitted to stay in the US if my extension is rejected after the I-94 expiry date?

TIA for your time. Hope other newbies like me would find these queries and your expert advice useful to them as well.

Cheers,
P.

[shervin143]

1. How is the extension scene from US right now? Which one in your view would you suggest - An extension from here or a new VISA from India after the I-94 expiry date?
>>> It doesn't matter. Unless you are going back to India or will be travelling while the extension is in progress, you can always file the extension while you are in U.S.

2. When is the right time to start the extension process? Now or a month before Dec 11, 2011?
>>> Extension can be filed 6 months before the I-94 expiry date. It is advisable to file the extension at least 3 months prior to the I-94 expiry unless your company is planing to file it in premium later.

3. What if my Extension approval is still pending before the I-94 expiry date? Would there be any complications as am past the I-94 but still awaiting a result from USCIS?
>>> You can continue to stay and work in U.S as long as the extension is filed prior to the I-94 expiry date. The documents to extend your stay should reach USCIS before the I-94 expiry. If the extension gets approved later, then you are all good. If the extension is denied, then all the time spend in U.S after the I-94 expiry date will be considered as illegal stay. That is why it is advisable to file the extension as soon as possible. USCIS gives you 6 months time to file the extension.

4. And finally, how long am I permitted to stay in the US if my extension is rejected after the I-94 expiry date?
>>> 0 days. You have to leave immediately. Every day you stay in U.S after the I-94 expiry date is counted as illegal stay.