COS stamping before Oct 2012

[nchhabria]

Q.1. I am on L1 expiring in August 2013. A new employer is willing to file my H1 in this year's quota, using COS and start date Oct 1st 2012. He is telling me that once it gets approved, lets say in August 2012, then I can go for my stamping even before Oct 2012 and then if things go fine I could give my current employer one month's notice period, in Sept 2012 and join new employer on Oct 1st 2012.

A. Is this true that I can get the COS H1b stamped before Oct 2012 ?

B. Also will it be riskier to go for stamping before Oct 2012 or I should work with the new employer for a few months and then go for stamping ?

Q.2. If Oct 2012 is the start date then what is the maximum length of grace time when I can join new employer ?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[pontevecchio]

Tell them that you would prefer h1 with CP and then get the visa at some point of time before the start date from your home country consulate. If denied continue in L1 status. Of course if the new employer makes the majority of semiconductors for the world it is OK. If not and it is a DCC you should be careful.

[nchhabria]

Thanks for your reply. But I am sorry I did not follow the last 2 statements about the majority of semiconductors and DCC. Would appreciate if you could elaborate a little more.

[pontevecchio]

If your company is a major and known company you will have no problems irrespective. If you are intending to work for a small time consultant then it is always risky.