Changing L-1B Status to L-1A

Vermont Service Center (VSC) of the US Citizen and Immigration Service (USCIS) confirmed the steps for a L-1B status holder to change his or her status to L-1A.

In the eye of VSC, this is considered a change in the nature of employment instead of a mere "change of status."  Therefore the $500 fraud prevention fee is not required.  The VSC provided further guidances on how to process Form I-129 in the change from L-1B to L-1A in the following two situations:

1. Petition to change from L-1B to L-1A together with  extension of stay:

• In part 2.2 Basis for Classification: Choose c. "Change in previously approved employment;"
• In part 5 Requested Action: Choose c. "Extend the stay of the person(s) since they now hold this status"

2. Petition to change from L-1B to L-1A without extension of stay:

• In part 2.2 Basis for Classification: Choose c. "Change in previously approved employment"
• In part 5 Requested Action: Choose d. "Amend the stay of the person(s) since they now hold this status"