L1B to H1 With i-797B(No new i-94) Valid L1 i-94

[mhpm]

Hi,

My H1 was applied in May 2012 by the my employer with whom I have my L1.

My L1 expired in Nov 2012, but I have a valid i-94 till Feb 2014.

H1 got approved and I got the i-797B(No i-94) before my L1 expired.

I have two questions.

1. Am I out of status (My L1 i-94 is valid till Feb 2014)?.

2. Can I change my employer based on the approved H1 (Not stamped yet)?.

Thanks in advance.

[pontevecchio]

"My L1 expired in Nov 2012"

Visa or petition?

Are you working now or not?

[mhpm]

L1 VISA expired. Not sure about the Petition. It is a blanket petition.

I am doing the regular work and on payroll.

[pontevecchio]

If your status did not change and you have a H1 petition approval, you will continue to be in L1 status till 2014. You can have any employer file your H1 petition and leave and come back with the visa. The total time L1B plus H1 status remains 6 years.