H1B Extension.......Urgent!

[mlpathir]

Hi Guys,

My H1B is going to expire by Sep-27-2010 and I-94 is valid till Oct-7-2010.

Now I got a letter from client and going to apply for H1B extension.

Questions:

1) Should I go for normal or premium processing?
2) How much time will it take for normal and for premium?
3) After applying can I legally stay in US and work?

Please advice ASAP.

[shervin143]

1) Should I go for normal or premium processing?
>>> If the extension gets denied, then the time spent after the I-94 expiry will be considered illegal. So it is advisable to go for premium since your I-94 is expiring soon

2) How much time will it take for normal and for premium?
>>> 15 days by premium and 2-3 months by normal.

3) After applying can I legally stay in US and work?
>>> Yes.

[mlpathir]

In the client letter it is clearly stated that "my current PO is valid till April-2011 and the same will extended from time to time"

Questions:

1) So, can I expect 3 years extension of H1B or only till April-2011?
2) I got my H1B stamping done way back in Sep-2007 but I came to US in April-2010, so my 6 years period start from April-2010 or Sep-2007?
3) So, as I came very recently, what are my chances of getting 3 years extension?

[shervin143]

1) So, can I expect 3 years extension of H1B or only till April-2011?
>>> Hard to predict. If USCIS is not convinced that your project will be extended after 1 year, then you might get an extension only for 1 year.

2) I got my H1B stamping done way back in Sep-2007 but I came to US in
April-2010, so my 6 years period start from April-2010 or Sep-2007?
>>> Only the time spent in U.S on H1B status (+ L1 status, if you were on L1 status) will be considered for the 6 year term.

3) So, as I came very recently, what are my chances of getting 3 years extension?
>>> When you arrive at U.S doesn't matter for the extension. Extension will be provided only based on the work itenary provided by your employer. However, you can keep applying for extension until you reach 6 years.