L1 Transfer when never travelled on L1 to US

[deepindersingh_leo]

Hi,

I hold a valid L1-B visa till Aug. 2015.

Somehow I could never travel on L1B because of internal company changes. I am still with the same company but I don't think I could ever travel from this company to US.

Is there a way to transfer L1-B visa to H1-B when I have never visited to US on L1?

Can I still travel on L1-B visa and look for a job and then new company sponsors/files my H1-b ?

What if I apply for a new H1B visa from India? Will it have any impact as I already have valid L1B visa?

Thanks,
D

[raghvi]

Hi,

I hold a valid L1-B visa till Aug. 2015.

Somehow I could never travel on L1B because of internal company changes. I am still with the same company but I don't think I could ever travel from this company to US.

Is there a way to transfer L1-B visa to H1-B when I have never visited to US on L1?

Can I still travel on L1-B visa and look for a job and then new company sponsors/files my H1-b ?

What if I apply for a new H1B visa from India? Will it have any impact as I already have valid L1B visa?

Thanks,
D

L1B and H1B are two different visa types you cannot interchange one for another. With L1B you can only travel for the company which sponsored it. Also, H1 cap is closed for this year next cap will open in April 2015.

You cannot travel on the existing L1 if you are not going to work for that company.

Your best bet is try to find a H1 sponsor for next year and apply in April 2015, once that is approved you can use that to travel in Oct 2015.

This is my opinion not legal advice.