Hi,

I was on a H1B from April 2003 to January 2011. However, I left the US in June 2010 on an expat assignment. After that, my existing company brought me back to US in August 2011 on a L1A visa. So, i was out of the country from June 2010 to August 2011 barring a 3 day visit in October 2010.

Now, a different company (Company B) is offering me a new position and is ready to file for H1B.

My question is:
a) Since I was out of country for more than a year, can I file for a new H1 (either extension of the earlier one or filing for a new one under 2012 quota)

b) Does the fact that my H1 was valid until January 2011 have any bearing on living outside for 1 year?

Please clarify.
Thanks
Ravi