I am currently on an X (L1) status and have applied for a change of status (COS) to H-1B this year. Can I continue on an X (L1) status after the H-1B approval?
Status changes are handled by USCIS. You cannot choose which status you want to be maintaining. If the H-1B was applied as a change of status (COS) and it is approved, you are not in X status any more. If X is L1, you cannot and should not work on L1 beyond the H-1B start date. There is no grace period. If you work after the COS effective date on your previous status, it is unauthorized employment and will cause problems later on. Refer to the leap frog question/answer on this FAQ on how to get back into your previous status by travel or filing another COS.
Related Questions
- Alien is currently on L-1 status, and a change of status to H-1B is approved from October 1st. Can the alien continue to work for the L-1 employer past October 1st, and join the H-1B employer later?
- Can commercial interest companies that are currently accredited or approved as providers continue with their status unit it expires?
- I currently have an H-1B change of status, extension or transfer pending. Can I travel outside the USA?
