Extending/Renewing I-94

[arpitkus]

Pardon me if this is duplicate topic. 

 

Situation: 

My wife's H1-B and I-94 both are valid until 29th Oct 2015. 

 

We are not planning (or hope not)  to travel anytime for next one year since we are expecting a baby. 

 

My question for experts here is that, once my wife's employer files H1-B extension ( I believe at max 6 months prior to expiry of current one which is 29th April 2015) and assuming it is approved, do we have a way to extend her I-94 form also?  I followed this link: 

 

http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Resources/C1en.pdf

 

Which suggests filing form I-129 to extend stay for H visa holders but I could not confirm if this form also issues new I-94 with extended departure date. Specifically because this form I believe is filled with every H1 petition.

 

If there is a way to renew I-94 without leaving the county, I have one more question:

Her passport expires in May 2016. We will apply for passport renewal at earliest allowed time which is May 2015. If it is possible to get renewed I-94, it is a good idea to get passport also renewed before we file I-129 so that we have uninterrupted stay? Otherwise we can not have I-94 beyond passport expiry.  

 

Any help here would be greatly appreciated.  

[jairichi]

When an extension is filed before current I94 or petition expiry then new I797 will come with new I94 validity.

Better get passport renewed before H1B extension filing.

[rahul412]

Employer has to file H1 along with extension of stay. When her H1 is approved she will get a new I94.

[shekar11#]

Your wife will get a renewed I-94 when she applies for her H-1 extension. As you said better apply for passport renewal first in May 2015 and then file the extension.

[pontevecchio]

H1 EXTENSION Approval implies she gets an I94 with approval. H1 extensions are usually till the period asked for. The passport expiry is only relevant when coming back to this country.

[arpitkus]

Thanks everyone for your answers. Appreciate it.