Two I-797 approval notices (from same employer)

[ss19]

Hi All,

I will be going for H1B stamping during Dec 2016 - Jan 2017 time frame. I currently have 2 H1B approvals (I-797) -

1st one from Feb 2016 to Feb 2017

2nd one from Feb 2017 to Feb 2020

And I filled in the details for 2nd one in my DS160. My question is :

If I use my latest I-797, will the visa start date on my H1B visa stamp be Feb 2017?  Does that mean I cannot enter USA before that date? Or will the visa office merge 2 approvals and grant me an earlier start date. I plan to return in Jan 2017.

Has anybody faced this type of situation and does anyone have any experience on this one?

Thanks!

 

[shekar11#]

If you check any of your previous US visa stamps there will be only a visa issue date but not a start date. Meaning the visa will be effective immediately after it is stamped. You are all good to go for stamping using latest I-797. Make sure you carry both I-797's all the time and show the port of entry officer the latest I-797. 

[ss19]

Oh thanks for your reply! I will be carrying both the notices. I was just wondering that can the visa stamp duration (issue date to expiration date) be more than 3 years, like in my case may be Jan 2017 to Feb 2020.

 

 

[shekar11#]

Yes it can have a duration of more than 3 years. No issues.

[Soundariya]

Hi  Newbie, We are in the same situation. Can you let me know of the outcome ? Did you appear for interview ? My hubby qualified for dropbox  but they issued a 221g and asked us to appear for interview with all docs from the employer like unemployment wage report, employee payroll info etc.   Did you get the visa ?  Your response will be very helpful.

[ss19]

No, I am yet to go for the interview.

[userm]

I am similar kind of situation.small change here.

My wife has expired visa ( expired on Sept 2015).

she is planning to come to usa back in april 2017.

she is giving my extended petition details under primary applicants information.

extended petition ( starts from May 2017).

will she able to come into country with new petition before May 2017..?

 

what will be the start date..?

 

 

[Sanjeev01696]

Hi Newbie,

I am in the same boat, Can you let me know of the outcome ?

Thanks!

 

[Sanjeev01696]

On 12/18/2016 at 2:22 AM, userm said:

I am similar kind of situation.small change here.

My wife has expired visa ( expired on Sept 2015).

she is planning to come to usa back in april 2017.

she is giving my extended petition details under primary applicants information.

extended petition ( starts from May 2017).

will she able to come into country with new petition before May 2017..?

 

what will be the start date..?

 

 

Can you please share the outcome, I am in the same boat.

[Sanjeev01696]

On 11/21/2016 at 9:45 AM, Soundariya said:

Hi  Newbie, We are in the same situation. Can you let me know of the outcome ? Did you appear for interview ? My hubby qualified for dropbox  but they issued a 221g and asked us to appear for interview with all docs from the employer like unemployment wage report, employee payroll info etc.   Did you get the visa ?  Your response will be very helpful.

Hi Sounariya,

Can you please let me know the outcome, I am in the same boat...