I-797B: HYDERABAD CONSULATE NOTIFIED - CAN I GOTO Chennai DUE TO AVAILABILITY ?

[sam00z]

Hi

I have I-797B [ H1 approved but no i-94, as extension of stay was denied], and I was told my attorney to go outside and come back with visa stamping. The I-797B form says, HYDERABAD consulate has been notified.

It also says, " If any of the named worked will apply for a visa at a consulate other than the one listed above [hyderabad], the petitioner should file form I-824, Application for action on an approved application or petition, to request us to notify the new consulate.

Now, there are really no dates in Hyderabad , but some slots in chennai. So I went ahead and booked a slot on in chennai. 

Now question is:

a) Can I go to chennai consulate for stamping instead of hyderabad?

b) Do i need to fill a form I-824?

Please help me.

Thanking you in advance.

[luck2u]

@sam00z: Yes, you can attend in any consulate and don't require to fill Form I-824.

[naruto 45]

@sam00z  Can you please let us know how this went? I am in the same boat.

 

@luck2u  Can you explain why we dont need the I-824? It explicitly says on the H1b approval notice that we need this form to notify the new consulate. My immigration lawyer also that it is required.

 

Thanks for your help

[luck2u]

@naruto 45: As long as you submit DS-160 to the right location where you are planning to attend for your visa interview, I believe you should be good. May be submitting I-824 is good but I never submitted it as I've been many times to a different location than what it says on my I-797. I would say, follow your attorney to have you hassle free visa interview. Good Luck!!

[naruto 45]

@luck2u  ok I think we can change consulate as long as it doesnt explicitly say so on the approval notice. Anyways thanks for responding.