L1-b expires in SEP-14, switch to H1-B on OCT-1

[vas9742]

(1) My L1-B I94 expires on SEP-14-2012

(2) I have a new 2013 quota approved H1-B (effective OCT-1-2012, new I94 valid thru SEP-2013)

(3) I have never had a H1 before, and this is the 5th and final year of the L1-B

As you can see here is a gap of 16 days in my status when I switch to H1 on Oct-1.

Will I need to manditorily step out on SEP-14th and step back in on OCT-1st?

If so does this have to be the home country, India?

I really have no need to step out and do not require a stamp as I have no necessity to fly out of U.S in the next two years.

My orginal L1-B stamp expired on SEP-14-2010. I have never left U.S since I got my L1-B in 2007.

[pontevecchio]

You should discuss your specifics with your Lawyer. Generally you would need to be in some valid status at least 10 days before the H1 starts. Either they still gave you an I94 or they made a mistake. Talk to your Lawyer to avoid future problems.