Help- L 1 Visa - potential issues and how to avoid?

E

employee_USA

New Member
Hi,

I really hate having something hanging over my head of which I'm not sure about.
I have an L1 Visa and associated Approval Notice (Form I-797) (Blanket L-1 Petition Program from my employer).
I entered to the US in 2008. My visa expires in Aug 2011.
I have two up-and-coming trips planned, one in April and one in September.

I was told I could either apply for a new visa at a U.S. Consulate abroad during my planned trip in April 2011 or apply for an L-1 extension now with USCIS (however I would not be able to gain re-entry after my trip in September).

What is really the point of an L-1 Extension if it doesn't allow you to travel?
Why can I not 'renew' my Visa from within the US?
Will the US Consulate abroad take into account that this is a renewal as opposed to a new application?
I am getting married in the US to a US army officer in the next months with the wedding ceremony abroad in September.

I assume it is best to just set up an appointment with the US Consulate during my trip in April for a renewal of my existing 3 year visa. What sort of issues can I expect wtih re-entry, timing, dates, travel etc?

Grateful for any advice as I just have a sinking feeling with respect to this! I'm not sure how these things work!

kind regards,
 
Last edited by a moderator:
As an L nonimmigrant, your marriage to a USC will not be an issue in obtaining a new L visa because is has a "dual intent" status, meaning you can remain a valid L nonimmigrant and seek immigrant status at the same time.

As for the timing concerns, you are at the mercy of the processing queue (USCIS workload on an extension or DOS workload at a specific consulate).

Good luck and congrats.

In that you are marrying a US Military member, IF you will seek to reside abroad together on military orders, expedited naturalization is available under INA 319(b) and (e).
 
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