COS from L1 B to L2 Querries

[Katey]

Hi,

Im currently on L1-B visa which expires on Feb 2016. My H1 Visa did not get through lottery this year. I will be applying for COS from L1 B to L2(Spouse on L1 A) along with EAD together in Nov 2015. I have below questions:
1. How long does it take for COS from L2 and EAD to be approved from L1 B?
2. Can i continue to work while my COS and EAD are being processed? As my current L1 B visa is valid upto 2016.
3. Can i continue to work when COS is approved but EAD card has not been received?
4. Do i have to stay in the country once COS has been approved but EAD is not received?
5. Can i continue to be employed with current employer while COS and EAD are being processed?

Thanks

[Katey]

Hi,

Im currently on L1-B visa which expires on Feb 2016. My H1 Visa did not get through lottery this year. I will be applying for COS from L1 B to L2(Spouse on L1 A) along with EAD together in Nov 2015. I have below questions:
1. How long does it take for COS from L2 and EAD to be approved from L1 B?
2. Can i continue to work while my COS and EAD are being processed? As my current L1 B visa is valid upto 2016.
3. Can i continue to work when COS is approved but EAD card has not been received?
4. Do i have to stay in the country once COS has been approved but EAD is not received?
5. Can i continue to be employed with current employer while COS and EAD are being processed?

Thanks

Experts/Anyone who has been through this before?

[raghvi]

Hi,

Im currently on L1-B visa which expires on Feb 2016. My H1 Visa did not get through lottery this year. I will be applying for COS from L1 B to L2(Spouse on L1 A) along with EAD together in Nov 2015. I have below questions:
1. How long does it take for COS from L2 and EAD to be approved from L1 B?
2. Can i continue to work while my COS and EAD are being processed? As my current L1 B visa is valid upto 2016.
3. Can i continue to work when COS is approved but EAD card has not been received?
4. Do i have to stay in the country once COS has been approved but EAD is not received?
5. Can i continue to be employed with current employer while COS and EAD are being processed?

Thanks

1. 2-4 Months.
2. You can continue only till L1 I-94 expiry/5 Years completion in L1B status whichever is earlier.
3. No.
4. I would suggest you do no travel outside US till EAD and COS are approved.
5. Read answer 2.

This is my opinion not legal advice.

[kabkaba]

Hi,

Im currently on L1-B visa which expires on Feb 2016. My H1 Visa did not get through lottery this year. I will be applying for COS from L1 B to L2(Spouse on L1 A) along with EAD together in Nov 2015. I have below questions:
1. How long does it take for COS from L2 and EAD to be approved from L1 B? -- It is taking extremely long these days, especially if you have to apply at Vermont center. Better option is to leave, obtain L2 Visa and return.
2. Can i continue to work while my COS and EAD are being processed? As my current L1 B visa is valid upto 2016. -- Yes, you can as long as your L1B I-94 is valid.
3. Can i continue to work when COS is approved but EAD card has not been received? -- No, you can't.
4. Do i have to stay in the country once COS has been approved but EAD is not received? -- You don't have to.
5. Can i continue to be employed with current employer while COS and EAD are being processed? -- Yes, since your status will still be L1B until change is approved, you can either stop working or work with the L1B employer. You cannot work for any other employer.

Thanks

See above.

[Katey]

Thanks Raghvi, kabkaba for your replies.

I just have one more query which i need more clarity on.
Both COS & EAD are approved(assume Dec 2015) from L1B to L2 before L1B I-94 expiry/5 Years completion in L1B status(Feb 2016).
Can i continue to work/be employed with current employer without any break in employment?
OR
Do i need to stop working as soon as COS is approved?