Regarding L2 to h4 Visa Status change

[aksingh510]

Hello,

Currently i am on L1B visa, But My new employer has already filed H1 for me this year 2014-15 and as of today i am waiting for the approval to come. My H1 is in RFE response review option.I have few concerns regarding my Dependents change of Visa Status from L2- H4, which i wanted to share to get everybody's response:-

1) When should i file my Dependents Visa Change status from L2 to H4? Is it after i get my H1B approval or can i file now?
2) Can I apply the L2-H4 status for them or Has it got to be applied by an Attorney?
3) My dependents have the L2 I-94 Effective till June 2015, So If i apply the COS now (Dec 2014), How much time on an average does the Conversion Process take from L2 to H4?
4) Can they stay here until the L2-H4 approval comes or do they need to go to India and get H4 stamped? Which option is easier and safest ?

Please let me know your response .

Thanks

[raghvi]

Hello,

Currently i am on L1B visa, But My new employer has already filed H1 for me this year 2014-15 and as of today i am waiting for the approval to come. My H1 is in RFE response review option.I have few concerns regarding my Dependents change of Visa Status from L2- H4, which i wanted to share to get everybody's response:-

1) When should i file my Dependents Visa Change status from L2 to H4? Is it after i get my H1B approval or can i file now?
2) Can I apply the L2-H4 status for them or Has it got to be applied by an Attorney?
3) My dependents have the L2 I-94 Effective till June 2015, So If i apply the COS now (Dec 2014), How much time on an average does the Conversion Process take from L2 to H4?
4) Can they stay here until the L2-H4 approval comes or do they need to go to India and get H4 stamped? Which option is easier and safest ?

Please let me know your response .

Thanks

Was L1 to H1 applied as COS? If yes, why wasn't L2 to H4 also applied for your dependents?

1. You should have applied along with your L1 to H1. It might still be good idea to file L2 to H4 based on your H1 receipt.
2. You can apply it too. Using form I539.
3. Their I-94 loses significance once your L1 to H1 COS approves. Th2 L2 to H4 can take 2-4 Months.
4. As long as you apply it before their I-94 expires and before your L1 to H1 COS is approved they can stay till a decision is made.

This is my opinion not legal advice.