H-1B renewal

[flgn_btv]

hello there,
I was wondering if you could give me some information in this situation.

I am a speech language pathologist with an H-1B visa, my 1-year visa expired in february, I have applied for a renewal and received a notice of action from INS during that time period but haven't received my visa yet, I have been woking since my visa expired per my attorney's direction...he said that as long as you have applied for your renewal you can continue to work, is that true, I also heard from INS hotline about portability provision, can you tell me any more about the subject.
I have applied for my visa screen certificate since Nov 04 which was recently approved (it was mailed, don't have it yet)does that affect my H-1 renewal status, is there a chance that INS could decline my visa if they don't have my visa screen, my employer is the same since the H-1 filed the first time...thank you for your time

 

[Tom Duwey]

Yes, in most circumstances you can continue to work if you have already applied for extension.

 

[mmkumar]

There is no problem in working as long as you have the receipt number with you. You can check the status of your H1 Extension petetion with that recepit number.
It would be better to keep the Receipt number handy as that is the only legal document that says that you are eligible to stay in USA.