L1 Visa term query - Please help

[Mohith R]

Hi All,

I am currently in US on an L1-B with my Indian company.

My L1-B was stamped in Chennai on Dec 04, 2008 for a period of 3years (i.e Dec 04, 2011).
I travelled onsite on Aug 03, 2009. So my entry date to US is Aug 03, 2009.
I have my extension approved until Dec 04, 2013 now.
I understand that L1-B visa term is for a total of 5years.

My question is -
1) Will my visa term expire in Dec 04, 2013 or Aug 03, 2014?
Does the visa expiry depend on the term of stay in US or does it blindly depend on the stamped date? If so, Will I be eligible for another extension?

2) Can I switch to any company which can sponsor a H1 which is valid for 6years?

3) Can I stay if my GreenCard is initiated by the current company and continue my work?

[shervin143]

1) Will my visa term expire in Dec 04, 2013 or Aug 03, 2014?
Does the visa expiry depend on the term of stay in US or does it blindly depend on the stamped date? If so, Will I be eligible for another extension?
>>> The visa in the passport will remain valid until its expiry date. However, you cannot stay beyond 5 years in L1. It is your responsibility to follow the L1 regulations. If you over stay just because you have a L1 petition/visa that extends beyond 5 years, you can get into trouble later. You need to calculate only the time spend in U.S when you calculate the 5 year duration.

2) Can I switch to any company which can sponsor a H1 which is valid for 6years?
>>> L1 + H1B together is for 6 years. You will not get a fresh 6 years if your file H1B unless you spend 1 year outside U.S.

3) Can I stay if my GreenCard is initiated by the current company and continue my work?
>>> You cannot unless you get an EAD. It is a long way ahead. Read the GreenCard section of immihelp and educate yourself on the Green Card process.
Depending on the category in which the GC is filed, it can take years to reach the stage when you will get an EAD.

[mrcoolbuddy]

I understand based on approved I-140, we will get extensions only for H1-Bs, not for L visas.