When is the earliest you can book appointment with Consulate?

[gspark]

Hi, so I read somewhere it takes FOUR weeks from petition filing to USCIS giving decision (i797) using premium processing.

At what stage can I schedule an appointment. Only after 4 weeks or can I use some receipt (without using i797) to book a date during the 4 weeks?

[cooldude76]

You need to wait till you get your H1 extension approved with an I797 approval notice and only after that will be able to schedule an appointment at any US consulate. Of course you also need to pay your visa fees too.

[gspark]

thx dude