L1 to H1 Visa Query

[amitdewan1]

I work for a Company (say C1) and am working with the company on an L1 visa (valid till Dec, 2014). This year, I applied for H1B with another Company (say C2) this year which got approved and will be active effective Oct 1st, 2014.

My questions are: 

1. If I want to stay with the current employer (C1) and work on L1B, what do I have to do to ensure I can continue to work with C1?

2. In future if and when I decide to work with C2 on H1B, what is the process to activate the H1B and how long does it take?

3. Are there any risks involved in the process of switching from one Visa and employer to another?

4. Can I work for my current employer C1 with my new H1 visa? If yes, what are the steps involved?

[jairichi]

1. Exit and enter US with a valid L1 visa and I797 on 1st Oct.

2. Employer files a cap exempt H1B petition. It taked 3 to 4 months for approval by regular processing and 15 calendar days by premium processing.

3. No.

4. Refer 2.

[pontevecchio]

1. Stay out of the country on October,1 and then return on your L1 visa.

2.The H1 employer will need to file a non cap H1 petition for you.

3. What risks are you talking about?

4.  C can file a H1 petition for you with COS from L1 if they choose.

[amitdewan1]

Thanks for responses!

 

@Pontvecchio,

3. What risks are you talking about?

I meant risks like I may not get flexibility of coming back on H1B again or any other such risks.

[pontevecchio]

No such risk .