L1 to H1

[dsanta]

I have been on H1 Visa to US in past. Have used that H1 for couple of years before.

I have been out of country then for more than 1 year.
I am back on L1 now since 1 year.

Now I need an H1 if I change the company.

Few questions:
1) Is L1 to H1 straight forward if new company does by new H1?
2) If H1 cap is full. Can I re-open my old H1 with the new company?

[kabkaba]

I have been on H1 Visa to US in past. Have used that H1 for couple of years before.

I have been out of country then for more than 1 year.
I am back on L1 now since 1 year.

Now I need an H1 if I change the company.

Few questions:
1) Is L1 to H1 straight forward if new company does by new H1?
2) If H1 cap is full. Can I re-open my old H1 with the new company?

Your new H1 employer can utilize your old cap number to file a petition, they will need your previous H1 approval notice. But if total time spent in the US in H1 + L1 statuses is more than 6 years, you must go through new cap. I don't know if your past 1 year spent outside will count.