H1B expires in Mar 2005, Chennai Interview on Nov 8, 2004

[mk74]

Hello Everyone...

Here's my background:

Aug 97, came to the US on F1
Feb 99, started working for Company A, on H1
Aug 2000, got a H1-B visa stamp in Quebec
April 2001, changed to Company B, H1B valid until Mar 2004 approved by INS
[Feb 2002 - H1B *stamp* (for Company A) in passport expires, but I have a valid H1B approval for Company B in hand]
Mar 2004 - applied for 1 year extension, INS approved H1B until March 2005

NOW - I am going to India next week and have an interview in Chennai on Nov 8 (2004). I have all my paystubs, W2s, etc., company B is a good 'solid' company, I've always maintained legal status (since 97), always got paid, etc., etc.

a) My biggest concern now is that on the day I go for my visa interview, my H-1B will only be valid for 4 months. So, will the Consulate have a problem revalidating my visa ?

b) Since in Mar 2005, I will hit the 6 year limit and since my labor cert is pending with INS, my company will file for a 1-yr extension at that time - but can the Consulate make a big deal of this ?

ANY thoughts/insights/comments will be greatly appreciated.

thanks
mk74.

 

[max2k1]

Hello Everyone...

Here's my background:

Aug 97, came to the US on F1
Feb 99, started working for Company A, on H1
Aug 2000, got a H1-B visa stamp in Quebec
April 2001, changed to Company B, H1B valid until Mar 2004 approved by INS
[Feb 2002 - H1B *stamp* (for Company A) in passport expires, but I have a valid H1B approval for Company B in hand]
Mar 2004 - applied for 1 year extension, INS approved H1B until March 2005

NOW - I am going to India next week and have an interview in Chennai on Nov 8 (2004). I have all my paystubs, W2s, etc., company B is a good 'solid' company, I've always maintained legal status (since 97), always got paid, etc., etc.

a) My biggest concern now is that on the day I go for my visa interview, my H-1B will only be valid for 4 months. So, will the Consulate have a problem revalidating my visa ?

b) Since in Mar 2005, I will hit the 6 year limit and since my labor cert is pending with INS, my company will file for a 1-yr extension at that time - but can the Consulate make a big deal of this ?

ANY thoughts/insights/comments will be greatly appreciated.

thanks
mk74.

I don't think its a problem .... H1 status extension is something that everyone does routinely in the US ... so the consulate would be aware of it.

Your only problem is that the visa stamp would expire in March '05 -- so you only get a stamp for 4 months or so .... but nothing can be done about it.