H1 Visa Stamping at US Consulate, Chennai

R

rthaniks

Registered Users (C)
Hi All,

I have valid visa stamp until Apr 2004 with my previous employer, and now i have change my employer and I got my new H1 approval for my new company. I am planning to visit India on Nov 28, 2002 and I have already booked the airticket and my return date is on Dec 21, 2002. I have sent all required papers for my wife and kids to get their H4 stamping for the new company, and they also hold the valid visa stamp until Apr 2004 with my previous employer. They file the papers with TT services ( drop box) at chennai on Nov 07, 2002 and they are yet to get the stamping, and my wife and kids visited twice already and this is not the first time. Moreover I am not from a suspected community, and I am working in US for 4 years. There are a few question for your and advice me pl.

1. Under this condition, Do I need to go for new stamping when I have valid visa from previous company and my new H1 approval with my new company.

2. Can I cancel my visit to India as it takes more time for visa processing at Chennai consulate and I am going only for three weeks vacation.

3. How long normally they take for Visa processing at US consulate, Chennai for H1 and H4 stamping.

Please advise me.

Thanks in advance
 
Hi

I got good news as well as bad news from US consulate at Chennai on this posting. My wife got her H4 stamping today, but they have returned my kids passport without stamping for want of 30 pictures of my marriage ceremony with my wife to get stamping for my kids, and I think my wife has to apply again for my kids.

Actually my wife and kids visited USA and they stamped twice, one for the first time at Chennai and second for the extension after 3 years. This is the third time they go fo stamping as I changed my employer. I don't know why they ask for marriage picture for my kids stamping, and anyway my kids face will not appear in any of my marriage pictures with my wife, I have my kids only after my marriage. please be cautious in future and take more picture as much as you can if u plan for your marriage.
 
Thanks for the information on Chennai consulate.

You do not require a new H1 stamp. Travel with the approval notice of the current employer, which you can show the inspector at the port of entry and get a new I-94 with current employer. Visa stamping could have another company's name and it does not matter as long as it has not expired.

Your wife and kids need not have applied for a new visa as well, as their previous visa stamps have not expired.

Also better to carry a copy of AC21 June 2001 memo. See portability provisions. Search archives for website location to download.
 
Hi Raj,

I have checked with the attorney of my previous employer who is a good friend of mine. She has also conveyed the same that it is technically possible and no need to stamp it again in India as long as I hold valid stamping and a new H1, but she is not sure 100% and it depends on the officer at the port of entry. Anyway thanks for your suggestion.
 
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