I-94 Extension: Travelling to Mexico

[JagsRags1]

Hi All,

            Needed your expert opinion on a decision I need to make.

 

Visa Details.

 

L1B - Blanket

 

Visa End date and I-94 Expiry Date:  21st Sep 2013

 

My last entry to US was on 15th July 2013 where in my I-94 date was given as Visa end-date.  Since I have just 2 months of I-94 left, my company is planning to file for L1B petition extension.  

 

However, due to the high rate of petition extension rejections,  I first want to explore the possibility if I can travel to Mexico and get an extended I-94 on return.

 

My questions are 

 

1)  If I travel to Mexico and then return back the next day by remaining in Transit and not entering Mexican territory  - what are my chances of getting an extended I-94. ?

2)  Considering that we no longer have the paper I-94 anymore - will CBP official at the US airport stamp a new I-94 date for me?

3)  Will there be any risks or suspicious questions asked by CBP if I return my Mexico the next day itself ?

 

 

Appreciate your prompt response.

 

 

[pontevecchio]

Why was the I94 till the visa end date?

[JagsRags1]

I entered US on 15th July 2013 - very close to my Visa end date 21st Sep 2013 - hence the CBP officer gave my I-94 date = Visa-End/Petition End date = 21st Sep 2013.

 

Visa - L1 B

 

I wanted to check if by travelling to  San Ysidro border , Tijuana , Mexico will be helpful in getting an extended I-94 date for me.

 

Appreciate your inputs as I need to make this decision within a day or two.

[pontevecchio]

Since I94 date has nothing to do with visa expiry why did you not get the I94 corrected to 3 years as in a blanket L1? Did your passport expire? You will not be happy if you are stuck in Tijuana and so details are needed.

[JagsRags1]

Well the CBP officer @ SFO airport did not give a 3 year I-94 to me.  No my passport did not expire.

 

I requested her to do so - she told she needs to see a written contract of extension from my client that I would be required to work beyond my visa expiry date.  Normally they dont ask for such documents.

 

She also advised me to go to Mexico / Canada and try getting an extended I-94.  I tried to argue my case with her but did not work out.

 

Can you tell me if I have a good chance of getting an extended I-94 date if I go to Tijuana. Thanks again.

[Attorney_23]

You may wish to go to deferred inspection to have this corrected. You can quote this from the previous CBP manual:

 

Terms of admission: If the alien is otherwise admissible as an individual L-1, admit for validity of petition (up to 3 years initially). If the alien is other wise admissible as a Blanket L-1, initially admit for 3 years, regardless of the expiration date of the petition, provided the petition is valid at the time of the initial admission. If the alien is seeking readmission as a Blanket L-1, the Blanket Petition is still valid, and the alien is otherwise admissible, admit for an additional three years regardless of the balance of the time left on the original admission. (IN01-06)

[JagsRags1]

Dear Attorney - Thanks for your response.....I will try the deferred inspection option........

 

Can I simply tell them that I needed an additional I-94 date for 3 years. after showing them all the relevant and necessary documents...?

[vikas.nikuu]

Hi Jags ,

 

any update on ur case?

[madhavan83]

Hi Jags ,

 

any update on ur case?

 

JagsRags1  any update on your case?