A status change to another visa category is only possible, if the applicant has not exhausted his maximum stay of five or seven years (depending on the visa category). After the maximum stay of five or seven years, no further extension can be granted. A new H- or L-visa cannot be issued before the employee has spent a minimum of one year outside the US. Short business or tourist trips are still possible, of course. A status change to E-1 or E-2, however, is possible immediately, provided the applicant is eligible for that category. The L-1 visa holder may also apply for a green card.