H1 Amendment RFE Query

[jmp84]

Hi,

Following are few details which might help in responding to my query:

Visa Stamping: Expired on May 2014
I-797 - Valid till Mar 2017

Due to role change, my employer filed a H1 Amendment on which I received an RFE. I need to travel outside of US at the end of this month and was looking for answers to few queries:

1. Does my employer need to respond back to RFE before I leave the country? Based on various other threads, it appears the answer should be No.
2. Though I have received RFE, I have a valid petition from the same employer which is valid till Mar 2017, Can I use that for getting my visa stamped and return back or do I need to wait for the amendment to be approved?

Appreciate any help/feedback on the above questions.

Thanks,
J.P.

[jairichi]

1. A response should be submitted before the mentioned date.

2. Amendment has to be approved for visa stamping.