Time used during the same L-status period generally reduces what remains, but a new maximum period may become available after the person has resided and been physically present outside the United States, apart from brief visits, for the immediate prior year. Earlier L-1B time therefore does not automatically reduce a Roxton Pond manager’s new L-1A period; the travel history determines whether the reset rule is met.
Count the time already used
Within one unreset period of L status, L-1B and L-1A time is combined, and a fresh petition or a different employer does not by itself restart the clock. A separate rule applies after a sustained absence: a person who has resided and been physically present outside the United States, except for brief business or pleasure visits, for the immediate prior year may be eligible for a new maximum period. That physical-presence question must be answered from travel records before the assignment is designed.
Hypothetical example: the general manager of a sawmill machinery and material-handling distributor near Roxton Pond spent three years in the United States on L-1B for a previous employer, returned to Canada, and has now completed more than a continuous year with the current company. The company should verify that she also resided and was physically present outside the United States for the immediate prior year, apart from permitted brief visits. If she did, the earlier L-1B period does not automatically consume three years of a new L-1A maximum; if she did not, the earlier time must be counted. The qualifying-employment year and the clock-reset rule are related facts but separate legal tests.