H1B to L1A: Affect on GC

[mujikk]

Hello All, Hope you had a very good weekend!

I am working full time as a Project Manager(Non-IT) in US for a multinational consumer goods company on H1B visa. I am in my 5th year on H1B and they are ready to apply for Green Card. Recently my manager has asked me to help them set up a Project Management office in India. Which means that I have to work in India for 1-2years. I am very excited about the opportunity but I have several visa related questions before taking further steps. Can you please help me with the following questions.

• As I am in my 5th year on H1B visa, I need to apply GC immediately and my company is ready to do that.
  

1. While my GC is processing, can I work in India for 1-2years?
   
2. If so, will it matter if I am in US payroll or India payroll?
   

• Once I setup office in India, I would like to come back to US. I was told that it is easy to get GC on L1A visa.
  

• To be considered for L1A visa, do I have to be in India payroll?
  
• Also will I have issues getting L1A visa as I am on H1B visa now?
  

Can you please help me.

Thanks a lot!

[Attorney_25]

A person is not required to be in the US at any point in the GC process until the GC (LPR status or immigrant visa) is actually granted.

[mujikk]

Thank you for responding.

While returning back to US, can I come back on L1A visa? To qualify, should I be working in India on US payroll or India payroll?