Getting H4 visa when H1 visa has expired

[soapbox]

Hello,
My I-797 expires in Jan 2004, but my current H1B visa stamp expired on July 14, 2002. My wife will be going for her H4 visa at Chennai consulate next week.
Do I need to get my H1B visa revalidated to match the new date on my I-797...or can she still get her H4 visa based on my expired H1B visa (Note: My I-797 is valid till Jan 2004)?

Please help.

Thanks
Soap

 

[jaxen]

Chennai consulate

in some cases insisted that the H1 stamp should also be valid. Lately after a lawyer's intervention they are supposed to issue h4 based on I797 and an old expired stamp.
If I were you I would revaldiate the H1 stamp before sending my spouse's H4.