F1->H4 change..need help

[Rajiv S. Khanna]

Hi,
I filed i-539 to change my visa status from f1 to h4 in march 2002. I have got an notice of aproval in April and notice of action(i797A,with new i-94) on may1,2002. But I did not get back my passport yet, inspite of my aproval.
1)does any one know.. how long will it take for INS to return my passport( I need to go to India for a trip).
2)After I get my passport back,I am planning to go to India.Do I have to go to Chennai Consulate to get the H4 visa(multiple entry) stamped on my passport..What are the things I need to take to the consulate? Would drop box work?
Thanks.

 

[jaxen]

You are not supposed to send the passport along with I539...

Who told you to send the passport to INS? It might be lost by now.
Generally One sends the passport to Dept of state for stamping after INS approves 539.
Try calling the INS service center. Meanwhile apply for a duplicate passport with your country embassy ASAP. An alien without passport is in risk of avoidable hassle.