L1 To H1 Change of Status

Hi,

I work for a company A on L1 Visa, came to US in 2008 - 4 months ago. Now, according to current situation and also my visa expiring mid of next year. There might be possbility that my company A will ask me to go back to my national country.

1- I dont want to go back, as my family is also here now.
2- I have spent already much money coming here.

Now, seeing this i may have another opportunity from company B, for which i have been working part time for last 2 years when i was in my home country. They are interested in me to work for them, as they can really benefit from me.

Now, they can file CHANGE OF STATUS for me (L1 to H1B)??? If yes then i do i need to go back to my country for re-stamping.

Thanks,
Looking forward for help...

If they obtain a H1B for you and you successfully change your status, you can work for them. The point of changing your status while within the U.S. is to avoid having to leave, get new status, and reenter, so no, you don't have to rush off to a port of entry for a new stamp the moment your change of status goes through.

Hi Mr. Knowitall,

Thanks for replying.

"If they obtain a H1B for you and you successfully change your status", little confusion about quoted line.

1- H1B & Change of Status would be filed seperately? I guess they would be filing COS for me. right?

2- Now, if for example COMPANY A renews visa, and then my expiry for L1 would be extended. Then i should apply for H1 ? as far as i know its kind of lottery now, and it might be possible that it does not get selected. So it will be safe doing this.

3- Now, after getting l1 renewed and filing H1 COS - What if it gets rejected, then would it affect my current L1?

Again thanks - i am trying to get to know what i can before doing anything.

Thanks,