L1 to B2 then H1

[keshavakishore]

Hello,

I'm on L1 now and as my project completed here I need to leave the country .I'm trying to find out all the possbile ways to stay here.I don't have H1 also.One of the layer had suggested that temporarily I can switch to B2 visa which is valid for 6 months and in these 6 months I can file H1 and can transfer to that once H1 is approved.Can any one please answer the below questions.

1)Is it possbile to change the status from L1 to B2?

2)If I apply B2 how long will it take to get the approvel?

3)Do I need to wait for approvel to change from B2 to L1 or Once i file B2 can i stay here legally as the application is pending?

4)Do I need to run my payroll even if I'm on B2?

5)How was the chances of getting approvel for H1 with client letter and without client letter?

6)Is there any other possbile ways to stay temporarily with legal status.

Please advise...thanks in advance.

[sk4ih]

1) Yes
2) 2-3 months. Approval rate is less though
3) Yes, wait for approval. Else stay is illegal.
4) No. B2 is visitor visa. Visitors cannot work.
5) Nobody can predict that.
6) F1. Get admission to a school and change to F1.

[shervin143]

1)Is it possbile to change the status from L1 to B2?
>>> Possible if it is for the right reason.

2)If I apply B2 how long will it take to get the approvel?
>>> COS would take about 2-3 months.

3)Do I need to wait for approvel to change from B2 to L1
>>> B2 to L1 COS is not possible.

or Once i file B2 can i stay here legally as the application is pending?
>>> No. Your COS need to get approved for you to stay in B2.

4)Do I need to run my payroll even if I'm on B2?
>>> B2 is a tourist visa. How will pay money for a tourist?

5)How was the chances of getting approvel for H1 with client letter and without client letter?
>>> The success rate of B1/B2 to H1B is less. Even if it gets approved by a chance, you will face a lot of questions when you go for visa stamping as it would prove that the reason for getting a B1/B2 is primirily to stay in U.S and not for business or tourism.

6)Is there any other possbile ways to stay temporarily with legal status.
>>> If you are married and if your spouse is working/studying, then you can convert as a dependent. If not, you you need to enroll into a school and apply for F1.