L1 -Do I have to be out of the US for 12 months?

[fwfw2009]

I worked in the US for 5 years with an L1 visa.
After the 5 years period, I returned to my home country.

I have been informed that I have to stay out of the US for 12 months
before I can be transfered back and have a new L1 that can be renewed for another 5 years.

My question is: Do I have really have to stay out of the US for 12 months?
If I enter the country with a B1/B2 visa with my visit be counted against the 12 months period?
Do I have to be completely away for 12 months?

I letf the US on August 25th 2011. If I go there on May 1st 2012, will I have to wait until May 1st 2013 to apply for a new L1?

Thank you,
Mercia

[kabkaba]

A Visit on B1/B2 will not reset the clock but the time spent in the US will not count towards satisfying the 1 year requirement.

[jinneebhat]

What about time spent on H4?
I worked on L1b for 2.5 yrs,. Then moved to H4 visa and stayed for 6 months. Thereafter I stayed in India for 5 months. If I apply for L1b, how much would I have time left?

[kabkaba]

2.5 years