H1B to L1 Visa enroute to GC

[vrajeshj]

Finally my current employer is going ahead with processing my GC. My H1B is expiring Nov 2002. My employers lawyers are recommending:
1. Change my H1B status to L1 Status
2. Once approved they would then file for my GC

They feel this would be faster as there is no Labor Certification required in the current economic downturn.

I am based in CT and my employer's US Office is in TX.

I am looking out for a second opinion on their recommendations. How adversely would such a change affect me? [Other than - If I want to change my job, it would be difficult]Also what is the time range for change of status and also can the I-140 and I-485 be filed immediately after a change of status or does one have to wait for a period of time. If so what is the wait period.

Please post your views/recommendations

 

[gracehopper]

H1 to L1 change

This seems like a very promising route.
I am currently on H1. My company has locations overseas
but I am located in the US. Can I opt for an L1-visa ?
Thanks for all help.

 

[vrajeshj]

Even though your employer has offices overseas, you should have worked in any of the overseas offices for a minimum period of 1 year prior to coming to the US on H1.

 

[immi16]

I am in a similar situation. To be eligible for the L visa, my employer says that I would have to be an employee of the intl office of the company with no link at all with the US office. Then, after spending 12 months outside, I would be transferred to the US on an L-1 visa and my GC would be filed. It seems with some specific categories of the L visa, GC is as good as done once you transfer back to the country.

 

[Jim Mills]

You need to qualify for an L-1A as an international manager to avoid the LC requirement. An L-1B has a 5 year maximum limit and you would (imost likely) need a LC.

Originally posted by immi16
I am in a similar situation. To be eligible for the L visa, my employer says that I would have to be an employee of the intl office of the company with no link at all with the US office. Then, after spending 12 months outside, I would be transferred to the US on an L-1 visa and my GC would be filed. It seems with some specific categories of the L visa, GC is as good as done once you transfer back to the country.