L1 B to H1 B : COS or Consular Processing

USA H1B Visa
1

Hi There,

I am currently in US with a L1 Visa which expires in may 2013.I had a H1 B work permit  from 2008 -2011, but I never worked on it .Travelled to US on L1 Visa.Now I want to renew/transfer to H1 B. 



1) What is better:  to go for COS or Consular processing?



2) If i go for COS it means I will not go for H1 B VISA stamping and hence if I am granted the H1 B, I cannot leave US and come back for next 3 years as I will not have a VISA.
[Note :It is easier to find companies who are ready to do COS]



 



3) If i go for Consular processing,  I can go for H1 B VISA stamping and hence if I am granted the H1 B, I can leave US and come back as many times as I want.
[Note :It is difficult to find companies who are ready for this]



 



4) What is the suggested approach in my case, does any of these have a long term impact when processing green card etc. Please note I am going to India in NOV.



5) Also my H1 B expired sep 2011, so the application will be for a renewal or transfer.I am confused when companies ask me, I tell them they have to renew it, but   someone told me that still the process is called transfer, not renewal as it automatically gets renewed.



Please advise.



Thanks,
Sachin
2

Hi Sachin,

You mentioned that you got H1 approval with validity from 2008-2011 and you never worked for company who field H-1. I’m in a similar situation. Did you exit country and re-enter with your L1??