Need clarification on L1 to H1 conversion

[kancherlakk]

Hi All,

I need some clarification on visa conversion from L1 to H1. I am currently on L1 and applied for H1 and got it approved. Do I need to quit the current job which I am currently working on L1, by October 1st?

Any help would be highly appreciated.

Thanks,

Krishna

[DontWorryBeHappy]

If your H1 is applied with COS checked(Change of Status from L1-H1) then you must start working with H1 employer from the start date that is mentioned in the H1B approval notice(i.e., I-797) usually that date will be Oct 1st.

Just check your I-797, if COS is checked it will have new I-94 attached to it. If I-94 is not attached then you may need to explicitly apply for COS if you want to work with your H1 employer.

[kattu786]

Hi All,

I need some clarification on visa conversion from L1 to H1. I am currently on L1 and applied for H1 and got it approved. Do I need to quit the current job which I am currently working on L1, by October 1st?

Any help would be highly appreciated.

Thanks,

Krishna

Yes , you would have to join the H1 employer by Oct 1st

[vijay0304]

I am in the same situation except that my H1-B is not approved. If it is approved, do I need to quit the current job. Is there any way I can continue in L1-B for sometime until I find new job and then quit the other one.

Can I just ignore the H1-B and remain work in L1-B forever until the L1B expires which is 2 more years from now.

[reluctantsnowman]

Vijay0304 - If your H1b is filed under COS, then u cannot ignore it. Your status changes immediately. If you are on COS and want to ignore it, then you must leave the country asap and re-enter on L1, then ur H1b COS will get cancelled.