L1 to H1 inside US

[unmeshsivan]

Hi,

I am currently working in US with a valid L1 visa that expires on Jan 2015. 

My company applied for H1 visa for the year 2014-15 and I am included in the lot for 2014-15. 

If my H1 visa approves, do I need to go back to India to stamp my H1B or can I continue in  US with H1 visa approval? If I dont need to go to India, how long I can stay with H1?

 

Will my L1 visa status changes to H1B from Oct 1 ( based on my H1 visa approval ) or L1 will be valid till Jan 2015( Current L1 visa expire date ) and H1 after that?

 

Also My dependents are on in L2 now that also expires on Jan 2015. Will they change automatically to H4 based on my H1 approval? Do they have to go back to India for H4 visa stamping?

 

Thanks in Advance!

[jairichi]

1. If approved as COS then there is no need for visa stamping to move to H1B status.

2. If approved as COS then from 1st Oct you will be on H1B status.

3. It is not automatic unless they are included in your H1B petition. You need to file I-539 along with supporting documents and fee with USCIS.