krishnaa
03-02-2008, 04:41 PM
Hi,
I am currently in L1 visa for almost 2 years. I am planning to apply H1B thru a consulting company. I have few questions regarding this
1) I heard that there are two service ..COS and Consular filling option. I understand that COS changes your status from L1 to H1 immdly from Oct 1 whereas in Consular processing you can still continue on L1 and when you want to convert to H1B you need to move out of the country(USA) and stamp your H1B to reenter. My question is what is the eligibity/criteria to apply using consular filling option. Any one can apply for Consular filling option?. If so, how long it is valid to hold H1B visa on consular method and still work on L1. i mean is there a validity period within which you have to convert your L1 to H1B. And also should i mention where i want to stamp my visa (using consular method) or I do not have any option other than doing it in my home country under consular method.
2) My L1 Visa expires on May 2008 but my I-94 has date till Aug 2009 and Passport expires on Dec 2008.... Is there any complication of staying beyond may 2008 as my I-94 expires only on aug 2009 or should i take any action on this?
3) Also considering "Point 1 and 2", If i plan to go back to India on vacation after may 2008 - (my L1 visa expires on may 2008) will that affect my H1B filling. (should i avoid moving out of USA). I believe to re-enter to usa i have to do L1 visa extension and afraid that it may cancel/affect my H1B.
Your help is highly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Cheers....
I am currently in L1 visa for almost 2 years. I am planning to apply H1B thru a consulting company. I have few questions regarding this
1) I heard that there are two service ..COS and Consular filling option. I understand that COS changes your status from L1 to H1 immdly from Oct 1 whereas in Consular processing you can still continue on L1 and when you want to convert to H1B you need to move out of the country(USA) and stamp your H1B to reenter. My question is what is the eligibity/criteria to apply using consular filling option. Any one can apply for Consular filling option?. If so, how long it is valid to hold H1B visa on consular method and still work on L1. i mean is there a validity period within which you have to convert your L1 to H1B. And also should i mention where i want to stamp my visa (using consular method) or I do not have any option other than doing it in my home country under consular method.
2) My L1 Visa expires on May 2008 but my I-94 has date till Aug 2009 and Passport expires on Dec 2008.... Is there any complication of staying beyond may 2008 as my I-94 expires only on aug 2009 or should i take any action on this?
3) Also considering "Point 1 and 2", If i plan to go back to India on vacation after may 2008 - (my L1 visa expires on may 2008) will that affect my H1B filling. (should i avoid moving out of USA). I believe to re-enter to usa i have to do L1 visa extension and afraid that it may cancel/affect my H1B.
Your help is highly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Cheers....