Confusion: Can I save my approved I-140 upon switching employers?

[Aztek]

I've my I-140 approved with PD of August 2006 in EB-3. Want to switch to another employer who is willing to file my H-1 transfer as well as whole GC process. My question: Is there any way I can save my existing LC and I-140 so that the new employer won't have to start the GC from scratch again? I had called USCIS and the officer told me that upon switching to new employer, I'd lose both LC and I-140 from previous employer. But reading some threads on this board, there are opinions that in such a case, existing I-140 can be used to file change of status later on once the PD becomes current. What gives?

 

[reliablejo]

I am in the same situation. Can some one shed some light on this. My priority date is June 2007 , I 140 approved in Oct 2008. 485 is not filed as the priority date for India is still Jan 2005. I am in my 8th year on L1B/H1B status and my current employer is a DESI consulting company. I was thinking in the light of NeuField's memo it is better to switch to a permanent employment and by God's grace I have a job offer from a reputed firm. My specific questions are:
a) Do you advise such change at this point, does the situation warrant such change

b) I would like to know what legal implications are involved with such a change.

c) In case I join the new employer and the time comes to extend my H1B will the USCIS ask the new employer to submit evidence for employer-employee relationship for my previous tenure with the consulting company?

d) I was advised by you before that it is feasible to do the H1 transfer even after the lapse of 6 years and I can still retain my I 140 priority date, but my question to you, how long can I get H1 B extensions, is there a cap on the # of years for H1B extension in cases where I 140 is approved?

d) How would this affect my Green card processing status