Travelling out of country when h1b renewal is In progress

[suminarean]

My Initial H1b is expiring in Oct 2013 and my renewal I-129 filed on July 30 2012, Still in “Initial Review” status (It’s been 5 and 1/2 months nearly). RFE responded on Dec21 (for not paying fee, but actually paid.)

In this situation I am leaving US on next week and if I left, i am pretty sure that there wont be a problem during POE since i have a valid visa till Oct 2013. But will my renewal get any issues, since my I-94 will be in closed status after i left.

Also if the renewal got approved in the time when I am in India(if at all), what steps should I take. Please advise.

Thanks in advance.

[h1_seeker]

Even I am wondering if I can travel abroad when my H1B renewal application is pending. Please advise. Thanks.

[binoca82]

It is not advisable to travel while the extension is pending with USCIS. It may get approved for consular processibg (no I94) or may get denied, because when you leave US, you are abandoning the status which you seeked to extend.

[suminarean]

Thanks for the Response. Meanwhile, My renewal got approved on the same day i was traveled to India. Now i am back in USA with I-94 dated with extension period.