I had a recent experience at US consulate, Chennai that I would like to share with other prospective candidates.
I had taken an appointment 5 months back during which time I had a I797 till 31st Oct 2005. I then subsequently got an 1 year extension till Oct 2006 approved and didn't bother to amend the petition# given for my appointment. I appeared for my interview on 19th Oct 2005 and told the clerk setting up the paperwork that I had one more year of extension that I would like to be taken into account so that I get the visa till Oct 2006. She promptly stapled my most recent approval at the top and told me that would work as visa consular would take note of it.
The interview went on well and I had no problems. The consular asked for my original certificates and recent W2. Then he asked me to pay the fees.
After receiving the visa I realised that I got visa only till 31st Oct 2005!! I was shocked and after realising that I may need another appointment to get this corrected I had to rush back into USA. The port of entry officer was reasonable and after he saw the next year approval gave me I-94 validity till Oct 2006.
So I would advise candidates to correct the appointment data to reflect the most recent approval. Don't assume anything and double check to make sure you get what you want.
Su2005
I had taken an appointment 5 months back during which time I had a I797 till 31st Oct 2005. I then subsequently got an 1 year extension till Oct 2006 approved and didn't bother to amend the petition# given for my appointment. I appeared for my interview on 19th Oct 2005 and told the clerk setting up the paperwork that I had one more year of extension that I would like to be taken into account so that I get the visa till Oct 2006. She promptly stapled my most recent approval at the top and told me that would work as visa consular would take note of it.
The interview went on well and I had no problems. The consular asked for my original certificates and recent W2. Then he asked me to pay the fees.
After receiving the visa I realised that I got visa only till 31st Oct 2005!! I was shocked and after realising that I may need another appointment to get this corrected I had to rush back into USA. The port of entry officer was reasonable and after he saw the next year approval gave me I-94 validity till Oct 2006.
So I would advise candidates to correct the appointment data to reflect the most recent approval. Don't assume anything and double check to make sure you get what you want.
Su2005