Currently I'm on L-1A status and it expires in *** hence my employer is planning to file new H-1B this April not change of status. Here are my questions...<br>
1) If I get H-1B this April, is it mandatory to work on H-1B from Oct 01, 2015?<br>
2) Shall I continue with L-1A status until it expires and then can I change to H-1B?
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xv_vI7O0d4U#t=441
FAQ Transcript:
The answer to the first question is it can be done. When you apply for an H-1 do not apply for a change of status. That’s up to you. You can tell the employer and make sure you talk to the lawyers. Just say you want an H-1 approval but I do not want change of status. Come October 1st you don’t automatically get on to H-1 but stay on L-1 and you can continue working on L-1 and whenever you are ready you can go outside get visa stamping and come back or apply for change of status within US to H-1 which is like doing the H-1 all over again but you are not subject to the quota.