H1B extension stamp when old I-797 is still valid

[swiss_rolex]

Hello gurus,

My current visa stamp expires in Sep 2013 and current I-797 is valid till Aug 2014. I am planning to renew my H1 in feb 2014.

If I go for stamping in May 2014, will I get a new stamp till the new I-797 expiry (2016 in my case) OR till Aug 2014, since the old I-797 is still valid?

Thanks.

[rahul412]

My current visa stamp expires in Sep 2013 and current I-797 is valid till Aug 2014. I am planning to renew my H1 in feb 2014.

If I go for stamping in May 2014, will I get a new stamp till the new I-797 expiry (2016 in my case) OR till Aug 2014, since the old I-797 is still valid?

While booking visa interview slot, use your latest 797. You will get you visa based on that 797( exp 2016).

[justdoitdude]

as long as your extension approves before May2014, you are good to go.. you will get stamping until 2016..good luck..!!

[sunnyusainfo]

Fill the latest I797A details in DS forms and use the same I797 when to VO or where ever necessary...but carry the old I797 also...

[swiss_rolex]

Please confirm if this is correct,

The earliest someone can go for H1 stamping is 90 days before the petition start date.

So for ex: if the renewed petition starts on 16 Aug 2014, one cannot go for stamping before 16th May 2014. (if we want the latest I797 validity dates)

Otherwise, if the current petition is still valid, VO might stamp it only till 15th Aug 2014.