H1 Extension and Re-entry to the U.S.

[Mohandas]

Hi,

I have a valid HI visa (stamped on the passport) that expires in Aug 2005. My employer has applied for the extension and the approval is yet to come through. Meanwhile, I was planning to go to India this month.

My question is, what happens when my extension approval comes through while I am in India. My understanding is that if I do not have the new I-797 approval notice for the extension, officer at the Port Of Entry will write Aug 2005 as the expiry date for my I-94. Can I then correct that date later once I get my approval notice in hand? Or can I go out of the country before my Aug 2005 I-94 expires and then re-enter to get the new date entered? Would you rather advise that I travel only after I get my extension approval in hand?

Please let me know this ASAP as I have planned my trip for this week, but came to know of this issue only very recently.

Thanks.

 

[ginnu]

Hi,

I have a valid HI visa (stamped on the passport) that expires in Aug 2005. My employer has applied for the extension and the approval is yet to come through. Meanwhile, I was planning to go to India this month.

My question is, what happens when my extension approval comes through while I am in India.
-----------------get the H1 approval sent to you in India and when you enter POE show passport visa and approval notice you will get I-94 till new H1 approval notice
My understanding is that if I do not have the new I-797 approval notice for the extension, officer at the Port Of Entry will write Aug 2005 as the expiry date for my I-94.
---yes
Can I then correct that date later once I get my approval notice in hand? Or can I go out of the country before my Aug 2005 I-94 expires and then re-enter to get the new date entered?
---you can do that
Would you rather advise that I travel only after I get my extension approval in hand?
----best option

Please let me know this ASAP as I have planned my trip for this week, but came to know of this issue only very recently.

Thanks.