Traveling to Canada on expired H1B but valid I-797A

[The Chemist]

Hello,

I had a question.

I have an approved I797A with Employer A.- 1/2018-12/2020.

My most recent H1B stamp was with previous employer B  which expired on 8/7/2017. Associated I-94 also expired on 8/7/2017. 

I am applying for a Canadian tourist visa. Do I need to do H1B stamping in Canada or can I travel back to the States using the "automatic re-validation rule"?

[satya2k1]

If you have a valid I-94, I-797 from H1 recent approval (1/2018) with Employer A, then you don't a visa stamp to reenter the USA from Canada. 

[mehopeful]

Does the H1 approval notice have an I-94 at the bottom? If yes, then you can return from Canada within 30 days without a valid Visa.