Maximizing Your H1B and L1 Visa Duration in the US

Introduction

In the world of U.S. work visas, the H1B and L1 visas are two commonly sought-after options, each with unique advantages. While the L1 visa often serves as a backup plan for individuals who may not have successfully obtained an H1B visa through the lottery system, many overlook an important aspect. Did you know that the H1B and L1 visas share a combined duration limit? In this blog post, we'll explore the details of this shared duration and its implications for visa holders.

Shared Duration and Calculation

As we all know, an H1B working visa is 6 years. It is commonly seen for international workers who relocate abroad for a year and return to the U.S. to work on an L1 visa and ask their employers to sponsor them with an H1B visa concurrently. Suppose you work two years on an L1 visa and subsequently get selected for an H1B visa; then your total H1B duration would be 6 years minus the 2 years spent on the L1 visa, resulting in a remaining H1B period of 4 years.

Maximizing Your Stay

However, there are strategies to maximize your visa duration. One such strategy involves adding the time spent outside the U.S. back to your H1B duration, aka H1B recapture. This can slightly increase your total period. Additionally, initiating the green card application process early can significantly extend your H1B visa.

H1B Extension Process: H1B Recapture & H1B Extension Through Green Card Application

When extending your H1B visa, knowing the process and requirements is essential. The H1B extension application should be submitted six months before your visa expires. Once the application is filed, you're eligible for a 240-day extension while awaiting the outcome. On average, the processing time for extensions is around four months. However, expediting the process is possible by paying a $2805 fee, which can yield results within 15 days.

Green Card Progress and H1B Extensions

In situations where your green card application is in progress, there are further opportunities to extend your H1B visa beyond the initial 6-year limit:

1. If your green card's PERM and I-140 stages have been filed but are still pending, you can extend your H1B visa for one additional year.

2. If your I-140 has been approved but you're waiting for the priority date to become current, you can automatically extend your H1B visa for three years after the initial 6-year period expires.

3. After submitting your Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status), your H1B visa can be automatically extended, even if it expires, while your green card application is being processed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the H1B and L1 visas indeed share a cumulative duration of 6 years, and it's essential to factor this in when planning your career trajectory in the United States. While transitioning from L1 to H1B can provide valuable opportunities, knowing the options available for extending your H1B visa is crucial, especially if you're pursuing a green card. You can make the most of your time in the U.S. workforce by staying informed and strategically managing your visa status.