Begin with the five-year calculation, because it can change the shape of the whole assignment. Assembling the technical record is the next slowest step, ahead of the filing itself.
Calculate first, then write, then file
The calculation comes first: if prior U.S. time leaves only part of the five years available, the company may need a shorter assignment, a different category or an early permanent route, and that decision affects budgets and hiring rather than only paperwork. Building the technical file is the next constraint, typically several weeks of engineering attention that has to be scheduled rather than squeezed in around a commissioning season. Confirming the qualifying year and the corporate relationship runs in parallel and is usually quicker. Only then does the published processing time apply, and faster processing can compress that final stage if a customer date demands it. Set a reminder for the extension well before it falls due, and keep the entry and departure log current from the first admission.
A change in duties, client placement, or the employing entity can affect the basis of the case, and the revised facts should be reviewed rather than assuming the original petition or plan already covers the new arrangement. Build the calendar from present facts: the worker’s qualifying foreign-employment dates, evidence-completion milestones, chosen petition procedure, requested assignment start and existing periods in L status.