Entry to the US while serving the "1 year" period

[topnotcher0]

I left the US in Sept 2011 after completing 7 years on L1-A and waiting for the 1 year to get over.

My wife is currently in the US on an H1. Can I get a H4 visa and visit her for a week or so ? How would this effect the "clock" ... would it be reset or would the one week be added to the 1 year ?

Any thoughts towards this is greatly appreciated.

Thanks !

[kabkaba]

Yes, it will affect the clock. Only short trips in B1/B2 status are allowed and then too the time spent in the US cannot be counted in the 1 year. Even if your trip in H4 status is short, the status itself is not for visiting but accompanying your spouse.