H1b Visa stamping expired/ new passport

subarashi_indo

New Member
I have a passport expiry and new visa stamping conflict. My last visa stamping expired on Oct 01, 2009. And my current (Indian)passport expiration date is July 04, 2011. Also, my H1b approval is under the transfer process (so I don't have the new I-797 as yet). I'm planning to travel to India sometime in January, expecting the new H1b approval soon now.

Should i get my passport renewed here before leaving for India ? I'm worried if they will give me a new passport valid only for a year as a note on the website says "A passport is also issued for one year in cases of expiry of valid U.S. residence visa. In such cases, applicants have to apply for extension of validity as soon as valid U.S. Residence visa is approved. There is no fee for extension of validity of passport."

Since my last visa stamping has expired and I will soon have a new H1B, if i go for a new visa stamping, will I be given a visa with validity until my passport expiry ? Or, I can get my passport renewed in India and then go for the stamping? I'm afraid I may not have enough days to squeeze in both when I visit. Or, if i get my passport renewed here, are they going to give me a new passport only valid for a year since I don't have any valid visa stamping but a valid I797?
Please advise.
Thank you.
 
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