L1 - Blanket max out time

[chacko]

Hi Team,

I am an L1 Blanket visa holder. I have been staying in USA for 3years(appox). As per my understanding, L1 -Blanket visa has a max out period of 5 years and no one can stay on L1 Blanket visa more than 5 years. I applied for extension and I received the visa stamped for 5 more years, i.e 3 years + 5 years = 8 years in total. Please let me know whether this is a mistake and whether my Visa needs to be corrected (to make the extension for 2 yrs)? I really appreciate a quick reply.

Thanks.

[volverine_27]

As you have mentioned in your post, L1B is for 5 years. It is advisable that you be a better judge and evaluate your situation and either leave US for 1 year, or ask you current employer or some other employer to start PERM application, or convert to H1.

I was also on L1 and was fortunate to get an employer who sponsored my H1 just 3 months before my L1 5 years were expiring. You still have 2 years and economy is picking up.

[Attorney_23]

Ordinarilly, a foreign national can remain in the U.S. for a maximum of 5 years in L-1B, or 7 years in L-1A. Time spent in L1 status counts against time permitted in H1B status.

The foreign national can leave the U.S. for 1 year and then return in L1 or H1B status, assuming all othe requirements are met.