My company has received an H1-B for a Filipino woman. When we applied for her H1-B, she was in the Philippines, so the I-129 was for a new visa, not to convert. Since the time we filed, she came to the US on her B-1 to assist a friend with cancer. In the interim, her H1-B was approved. Unfortunately, it says she must return to Manila to get the visa.
Is it prudent to file a new I-129, requesting to convert her B-1 now that she has been approved for an H1-B in order to eliminate the need to travel back to Manila to get her H1-B visa? The cost to travel back and forth is essentially equal to the cost to file the I-129 ($1,000.00) and even to request premium processing. Her present I-94 expires on March 1, 2003. Thoughts anyone?
Is it prudent to file a new I-129, requesting to convert her B-1 now that she has been approved for an H1-B in order to eliminate the need to travel back to Manila to get her H1-B visa? The cost to travel back and forth is essentially equal to the cost to file the I-129 ($1,000.00) and even to request premium processing. Her present I-94 expires on March 1, 2003. Thoughts anyone?