Lost H4 Approval Notice (I797)

[nileshjoshi78]

We got my H1B and my wife and kid's H4 visa extended this year (for an year). However, we seem to have misplaced my wife's H4 I797 document original.

Questions:

1. Is wife's H4 approval notice mandatory while applying for H1B/H4 extension for next year?
2. While getting H4 stamped in India, would the physical I797 for my wife be required or my H1B extension I797 document is sufficient?
3. USCIS seems to charge sky-high fees of $460 which is another pain requesting for a duplicate of I797.

I would highly appreciate any help/guidance in this regard.

Thanks,
NJ

[pontevecchio]

1. Not really.

2. The H4 visa is only based on your valid H1 status.