L-1 to B-1/B-2

[rrech]

I was working in U.S under an L-1 Visa. I was laid off last week. I hold a B-1/B-2 Visa in my passport. Is it possible to stay in the country or do I need to re-enter?

 

[nkm-oct23]

Originally posted by rrech
I was working in U.S under an L-1 Visa. I was laid off last week. I hold a B-1/B-2 Visa in my passport. Is it possible to stay in the country or do I need to re-enter?

Just having a valid visa in another category DOES NOT allow you to stay in US. You will need to re-enter and should also have a good explanation for coming to US. You will get questioned about you previous L1 visa.

Another option is to file for Change of Status I-539 form. Once approved, it will authorize you stay under B1/B2. Again you will need a good explanation to change over to a new status but is a safer option. One catch here is that BCIS will check to see if you were in a valid status when you filed I-539. Refer to instructions for I-539 at BCIS website.