Confused whether H1 B stamp is required & procedure

[Kart2004]

Greetings! Before I write my question, let me tell you all that I did search the threads but didnt find anything that answers all my questions in this scenario, hence am posting it.

I have a H1-B VISA which expired in Jan 2006.I renewed it and got H1 B approval (I-797). I then resigned from that job and I am currently in the process where my H1-B would be transferred to the new employer.

Now I would be getting my I-797 approval only in 2-3 months. (thats what they told me).

I am planning to visit India in December for a few weeks.

My questions are:

1. The VISA stamp in my passport is expired (it was valid till Jan 2006). So is it necessary to have a new VISA stamp when entering US?

2. If (1) is required, the latest date for VISA interview available in India is in Feb, which means I need to get it stamped from Canada. What is the procedure for the VISA stamping? What documents do I need to carry and what do I need to do.

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[ginnu]

Greetings! Before I write my question, let me tell you all that I did search the threads but didnt find anything that answers all my questions in this scenario, hence am posting it.

I have a H1-B VISA which expired in Jan 2006.
--------------------- I think your H1 Visa stamp in passport got expired
I renewed it and got H1 B approval (I-797).
-------- your employer filed H1 Extension and you got the H1 extension approval notice
I then resigned from that job and I am currently in the process where my H1-B would be transferred to the new employer.

Now I would be getting my I-797 approval only in 2-3 months. (thats what they told me).

I am planning to visit India in December for a few weeks.

My questions are:

1. The VISA stamp in my passport is expired (it was valid till Jan 2006). So is it necessary to have a new VISA stamp when entering US?
------------------YES
2. If (1) is required, the latest date for VISA interview available in India is in Feb, which means I need to get it stamped from Canada. What is the procedure for the VISA stamping?
---------- many have got the H1 stap in Canada or Mexico. search the threds
What documents do I need to carry and what do I need to do.
---------- H1 approval, employer letter, pay stubs,W-2 tax papers, degree/certificates. copy of H1 petition that includes LCA+1-129 search the threds. you need to take Appointment with US consulate in Canada/Mexico. you may need Visitor visa for Canada

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[Kart2004]

Thanks a lot for your replies.

I think the US consulate site for canada is this:

http://www.amcits.com/form_ds_156.asp

So I would need to fill out the DS 156 as well? What about payments..how do I make them? What are the fees for the procedure.

Any other preparations I need to make? Also where can I get visitor's VISA for Canada?