2 H1Bs.which one to use while applying Visa interview in form DS160

[sana82]

Hi,

I am on H1B visa which expires on 07/31/2013.This visa from 2010 to 2013 is not stamped on my passport. I got stamped only my first H1B from 2007 to 2010 on my passport.

My company filed for 7th year extenstion (i dont have I140 yet) and it just got approved with validity from 08/01/2013 to 07/31/2014.

I need to go for H1b stamping in April 2013 in India

QS1 - Whcih H1B petition # I need to use while taking appt at consulate.My present unexpired one or the latest one for which the validity starts from 08/01/2013.

QS2 - Is it possible to get visa stamped from april till july next year spread across 2 different H1B petitions...

Recap

First H1B - 2007 to 2010 (Stamped)

2nd H1B - 2010 to 07/31/2013 (Not stamped)

3rd H1B 0 08/01/2013 to 07/31/2014

Whcih H1B petition to use while applying for appy for H1b visa stamping in April 2013?

Thanks in advance...

Sana

[shekar11#]

You have to put in your new H1-B petition number in DS-160 which is valid from 08/01/2013 to 07/31/2014.

Yes, you can have visa stamped across 2 H1-B's.

Recently I went for stamping and did the same. They stamped as per my new H1-B petition. But remember, you have to carry all H1-B petitions just in case he asks you.

[sana82]

<ol>

<li>Thanks Shekar. Just one more clarification...can we come back to US before the latest H1B validity starts? eg - My latest H1b validity starts from 08/01/2013 and If I get my visa stamped in the month f april, I can come back to US towards april end?</li>

</ol>

<p>Thanks</p>

<p>Sana</p>

[sana82]

Shekar - more qs - Were you in exactly same situation? Was your H1B stampted across 2 different petitions after 1 interview...was there only 1 stamp or 2 different visa stamps on passport?

Really appreciate your response!

[sana82]

Would be nice to hear from the experts at Murthy forum....Please respond....Thanks a lot

[shekar11#]

Yes you can come back to US as soon as your visa is stamped. Visa page will have only 2 dates. Date issued and date expired. I was in exact same situation except I had my previous visa also stamped.

First H1B - 2008 to 2010 (Stamped)

2nd H1B - 2010 to 04/21/2013 (Stamped)

Applied for renewal in Oct 2012 and got it approved in Jan 2013. Went for stamping in February 2013 with 3rd H1-B petition and got it stamped and back in US 2 days after visa stamp (went to Mexico). He canceled my previous visa (2nd H1-B) and issued me new one with expiry 04/21/2016.

3rd H1B - 04/22/2013 to 04/21/2016

As per the above scenario you should not have any issues getting visa stamped and coming back to US immediately after that.

[mycase123]

Sana82 and shekar,

I am in the same situation.

Shekar, please give us clarification.

Thanks

[sana82]

Hi Shekar,

this does make me more comfortable...

As your 2nd H1B was cancelled during stamping for 3rd H1B, so you mean to say your position was almost like mine and you were able to enter back only on the basis of your 3rd (latest ) H1B?

Thanks

Deepanshu

[shekar11#]

That is absolutely correct.

[ponugupati]

Sekhar,

Where did you went to stamping?

If you went to canada? Can you please answer my question? Do I need to fill the new h1b petition number and receipt dates during scheduling the slot in canada.

I really appreciate your response.

Thanks,

Srini.