Visa status once H1B is approved

[geetharajan]

I am currently on L1-B visa and would like to switch to H1-B if I get another job offer. My L1-B is valid till Aug 2013 but want to ensure that I switch to H1-B as I would like to work here. Assuming I get an offer letter from the new company who hires me and I get my H1-B approved this year by April or May, what will be my status till Oct 2012, till my H1-B status is kicked in? Can I still continue to work on my L1-B?

[pontevecchio]

In case this is a first time H1 for you the employer can only file after April1 for a start date after October,1. If you are going to be here in L1 status till then the new employer may be able to file with COS which kicks in on October,1. Since you may not be here till then or you may have notice period issues the best way is to apply for Consular Processing of the H1.

[geetharajan]

Thanks for the response. But I do not intend to go back to my home country for visa stamping. Can I stay here as my husband's dependent's F-2 status and start working from Oct 1 2012? this is only in case I don't have my L1- B status if I have lost my job.

[pontevecchio]

Then first change status to F2 and then have them apply for the H1 with COS.

[geetharajan]

Thanks for your response.