L1 to H1 transfer

[sriforyou]

Hello friends,

I am on L1B and working in US for last 3 1/2 years. My L1 visa will expire in Jun 2011. In between another company is ready to sponsor H1B for me and it will file it in April 2010. So here are my questions.

1. From when i can start working with new company on H1 ? From Jun 2010 (after getting H1 approval) or will have to wait till Oct 2010 ?

2. What will be the duration of my new H1B visa, considering i already used 4 years of my L1 ? Is it 6 years or only 2 years ?

Thanks for your expert advice.
-Srini

[ravise]

If you are going to apply during april 2010 you will need to wait till oct 2010.

You will be ideally getting for remaining 2 years. Thats how i got mine.

[sriforyou]

Thanks for your reply.

Is there any way that i can start working immeadiatly after getting the approval (May 2010), like Premium processing or COS immeadiatly ?

Thanks,
-Srinivas

[rdehar]

Thanks for your reply.

Is there any way that i can start working immeadiatly after getting the approval (May 2010), like Premium processing or COS immeadiatly ?

Thanks,
-Srinivas
ravise is absolutely right, u will get H1 for the period remaining (6 years minus time spent on L1). Also, if u file in next year's quota (filing starts in Apr 2010), it cannot have a start date earlier than Oct 1, 2010. I don't think u can start working on H1 before that date, even if u file premium.

Why don't u ask you company to file in current year's quota -- there are still visas available.