L1B period maxout options in COVID situtaion

[rahul86s]

I am L1B visa holder and completing 5 years stay on May,15th in USA. I have I94 valid until Mar 2021. As per the guidelines L1B period is 5 years (3+2), however USCIS granted me 3 years extension instead of 2.

My question is- what are my options to extend ( 1~ 2 months ) my stay and work permit beyond May 15 in current COVID situations? 

Per USCIS instructions for special-situations-

• Submit extension- which is most likely  not an option for me as I am completing 5 years of L1B.
• Submit Change of Status (COS)- if I consider COS to B2 then I will loose my employment, insurance and other benefits. Can I submit I-129 along with COS to extend work permit?
• Or since I have valid I94 until next year so would it be legal to stay and work beyond 5 years in current special situations?

I have tried reaching USCIS help line, travel(.)gov, nothing helped. Any suggestions on this would be greatly appreciated. 

 

Edited April 20, 2020 by rahul86s

[JoeF]

You can NOT work past the 5-year limit. The additional 1 year was issued in error and they eventually will find out and fix that, retroactively.

The L1 can not be extended past 5 years, not even in this special situation.