Transfer from L1 to H1 - can it be done without leaving US?

[sapconsultant]

Hi,
I am with a company and i have come thru L1 visa...
Another company is willing to take me on a new H1 visa (processed by the new company).
Is it possible to get transferred to my new company on H1 visa (from old L1 visa from the earlier company) without leaving US?
To state clearly, do i need to go out of US and then enter with the new H1 or can it be done without me leaving US?

thanks in advance for help and suggestions.

regards,
sapconsultant.

[matth74]

Re: Transfer from L1 to H1 - can it be done without leaving

You do not need to leave the country to transfer from L - H. I have already done the same thing. You will not be able to get your stamp in your passport without leaving the country as getting it stamped in the US requires you to already be on that type of visa.

Hope this helps.

[cm100]

What about the time limit

I recently changed from L1 to H1B after having spent 2 years on L1. Does this time on L1 count towards the 6 year limit of H1B?. Thanks for your reply..