I-94 expires 2 year after Visa Expiry, still want to extent visa

[anbuooviam]

Hi,

I'm in USA with L1-B visa. Actually my visa expires in Nov-2012 but I-94 is valid till May-2014.
I understand that, I can stay in USA until I-94 expiry date. But if I want to go to india and return for any emergrncy reason, I have to go though all process again. I won't be able make short trip.

So what to do now?

1. Can I apply for visa extension even though I-94 is valid till 2014?

2. If not possible, What's best solution for this problem?

3. Is there anyway to get my visa extended?

Please advice in this regards.

Thanks,
Anbu

[kabkaba]

You can (and need to) apply for a Visa outside the US only. So you have to make at least one trip outside to renew your Visa. Since you want to do this on a long, non-emergency type trip, you should start planning a vacation. Travel outside before your current Visa expires and get it renewed.

[raghvi]

I-94 expires 2 year after Visa Expiry, still want to extent vis

You are right, if you go to Indian after your Visa Expiry, Nov-2012, you will not be able to come back without a fresh Visa stamping.

You cannot apply for Visa Extensions before 6 Months of your I-94 expiry, as you I-94 is expiring May-2014, you cannot apply for it now. If there is an emergency, and you would need to travel after Nov-2012, there is not much you can do but to travel to India and from India apply for a fresh Visa in India. You can ask your current company to start your H1 processing in April 2012 and if approved you get to start work on H1 Oct 2012. This is my opinion, please do consult legal and immigration experts too.