H1B Stamping

[shinny]

I came to US on H4. I got my H1B approved and started working. Now I want to go to India. Before that I want to send for H1B stampling in US itself. Is it possible to get the stamping done in US or I have to go to my Home country to get it stamped? I heard that if we have I-94 which came alongwith my H1B approval, we can get it stamped in the US itself. Is that true?

 

[sixwalks]

Department of State rules

You will have to go back to your home country to stamp the visa in your passport. The DOS will not stamp different visas for example H-4 to H-1. You may be able to go to Toronto Canada and get it stamped there but there is always a risk when you got there. Use your best judgment take a vacation and go home and get it stamped.

 

[shinny]

If I don't want to go out of country, can I be in US with out stamping the new H1B. Is there any time limit like I need to get it stamped with in an year of the H1B approval?

 

[shinny]

Let me ask once again just to make sure.

I came to US on H4 2 years back. I had H4 valid till Sep 2003. I got my H1B approved by July 2003 and started working since the H1B papers came with I94(Switched from H4 - H1B).

I was told by my employer that I need to go out of country within one year of H1B approval (i.e before June 30th 2004) to get it stamped in the native country. I am not sure whether it is a new rule.

Can I continue to work in US on H1B with out travelling to native country for stamping after switching from H4 till the H1B valid date (i.e June 2006)?

I will appreciate if you can (if possible) direct me to a web link which supports this.

Thank you for your help in advance.