Urgent-I94 expired

[coolhep007]

Hello,

My I94 and H1B visa stamp expired on Jan 8th, 2012. But my I797 is still valid until Sept 19th, 2012. My lawyer told that he would renew my H1B visa and file for it this week with premium processing. My questions are:

1. For how many days will I be considered out of status?

2. Will it affect my Green card process in future?

3. Did anyone try getting the date on I94 corrected to match I797 date in the immigrations office at Detroit Airport? I heard there were some people who did this by going to Baltimore airport.

4. Do I have to leave the country in case I get my new I797 (H1B renewal) approved? Or will it be OK to stay here in US with expired I94 but new renewal documents?

Please reply soon. I am really going through a lot of mental stress right now.

Thanks