H1 to L1 conversion

[calvin]

Hi,

I am currently in the US and my first H1B visa expires in Jun 06.
I have a couple of queries:

1. Can my employer convert my H1B to an L1 visa before my H1 expires? Or does the employer need to wait till my H1B expires before he can initiate this conversion?

2. Can the conversion from H1 to L1 be done while I am in the US or does the employer need to send me back to my home country for this conversion?

Thanks

[Nishant]

H & L visa periods are counted together. For H visa, max period is 6 years. For L visa, it is 5 years for L1B and 7 years for L1A.

For L visa, person must have worked for same employer affiliate outside USA for at least one year in last 3 years.

H to L visa conversion can be done within US if person has maintained legal status throughout the stay.