L1B to H1B Conversion

L1B to H1B Conversion - Process Guidance

L-1B visa holders can convert to H-1B. L-1B visas allow foreign managers, executives, and experts to enter the US. The H-1B allows bright non-US citizens to work in the US but offers more benefits than the L-1 visa. Techfetch H1B is a one-stop site that provides detailed information on L1 to H1B change of status and other US immigration updates, offering a helping hand for everyone aspiring to settle in the United States.

A Brief on L1B to H1B Conversion Process

You can convert L-1 to H1B without leaving the US. Given the unclear H-1B application process, conversion from L-1B to H-1B is not always straightforward. Foreign workers in the US benefit from H-1B status over L-1. Thus, L-1 visa holders must work for the chosen company. They cannot work as L-1. If you qualify, H-1B allows job changes. L-1B to H-1B adjustments can be sought with the same company but a different role or with a new employer.

The 6-year H-1B restriction covers time spent on the L-1 visa, another concern for L-1 visa holders. L-1 holders are 4 years old for H-1B (including the 3-year extension). Consider a green card beforehand to secure your stay. If your change in status is authorized, you must remain on your L-1 sponsor's payroll until October 1 to avoid being "out of status." There is no grace period. You should not quit your job unless you get permission to change your status and agree with your L-1 employer that your contract will end on September 30. If you lose your status, subsequent USCIS applications can be challenging.

Transformation From L1 to H1B - All You Need to Know

H-1B deadlines are strict. H-1B registrations are due in March for the October job. Notified winners must enter within 90 days. If you're not going to change jobs, get a sponsor. Your sponsor must file an electronic registration and H-1B visa petition. This includes your duties and responsibilities, dates of work, and pay.

Your sponsor must file a Labor Condition Application to ensure H-1B compliance, and the new employer will get a certified copy of your H-1B and Change of Status petition if accepted. Submit Form I-129 and employment agreements to USCIS.

Stay in the US and work on your L-1 visa until October 1, but as mentioned above, you must meet the L-1 visa standards until September 30, before H1B employment. If your application is denied, you can continue to work in the US if your L-1 visa is active and you work for the same employer. You can reapply for the H-1B visa while your L-1 visa is current.

L1B/H1B Visa Differences & Eligibility Criteria

L-1 and H1-B visas are common for qualified foreign employees. US companies and individuals need to understand and evaluate the H1b visa or L1 immigration process. L1 visas are for foreign organizations, which allows companies to relocate foreign labor to a US branch, subsidiary, or office.

The person must have worked as a manager, executive, or knowledge worker for at least 12 months in the three years before applying. L1 holders cannot change jobs. To work in the US legally, the employee must change status.

US-based companies sponsor H1-B visas. If issued, the visa applies only to that employer. H1-B visas expire when workers find new jobs. To maintain legal status in the US, individuals must seek a new H1-B visa with their new company as a sponsor or explore other visa options.

The L-1A visa allows a stay of 3 years. Visa holders can apply for 7 years. L-1B allows 5 years, including a subsidy for the first 3 years. L1A and L1B visa holders have one year to open a branch in the US. H1B visas are 3 years. The successful application adds 6 years.

Any period on an H1B visa counts towards an L1 visa restriction and vice versa. L1 visas do not have an annual cap. The H1B is limited to 65,000 each year and 20,000 for master's degree holders.

The H1B is congested, so a lottery decides which applications to proceed with. April is when H1B applications are due. H1B petitions cannot start before October 1. The H1-B visa petition must state that the applicant will be paid at least the prevailing wage. Payment of the L-1 visa is not frequent.

A Quick Summary of Translocation

Blanket L expedites applications for foreign corporations relocating employees to the US. Blanket L can be used by companies with at least 10 L-1 approvals in the last year, $25 million in sales, or 1,000 US workers. Employers cannot expedite H1-B visas for qualified foreign workers.

L-1 visa applicants must have worked for international business for one year in the three years before application. The H1-B visa allows foreign nationals to work for a new US company. L-1 visa holders can only work for their sponsoring company in the US.

The H1-B allows applicants to apply for multiple employment with different companies and transfer sponsors once in the US. USCIS processes are lengthy, and a change of status from L1B to H1B can be difficult due to the H1B application and eligibility requirements while maintaining L1 status.

End-note

Techfetch H1B is a one-stop site that will guide you by providing in-depth insight on L1 to H1B change of status procedures like no other service provider.