Hi all,
I have a rather strange situation with my H1-B (figures....strange situations seem to be a way of life for me!) My original H1-B (Issue Date - 04, Jun 1998, Expiration Date - 29, Apr 2001) was followed by the first H1-B Renewal (Issue Date - 26, Jul 2001, Expiration Date - 30, Jun 2003), and then by the second H1-B Renewal (Issue Date - 29, Oct 2003, Expiration Date - 27, Mar 2005). As you can see, the second renewal actually has an expiration date that is beyond six years from the issue date of the original H1-B!
Does my 'normal' H1-B visa validity technically end on 04, Jun 2004 or is it really six years of H1-B visa term (counted by date of issue and date of expiration on each individual visa stamping, in which case I would still have some time left for my 6 yr completion)? If it's the former, does it make a difference that my most recent visa stamp (and the date on my I-94 Departure record card) show validity till 27, Mar 2005? Do I still have to apply for a 7th year extension anyway by 04, Jun 2004? What is the earliest I can apply for this?
Would appreciate any help - Happy New Year!
Venkat
I have a rather strange situation with my H1-B (figures....strange situations seem to be a way of life for me!) My original H1-B (Issue Date - 04, Jun 1998, Expiration Date - 29, Apr 2001) was followed by the first H1-B Renewal (Issue Date - 26, Jul 2001, Expiration Date - 30, Jun 2003), and then by the second H1-B Renewal (Issue Date - 29, Oct 2003, Expiration Date - 27, Mar 2005). As you can see, the second renewal actually has an expiration date that is beyond six years from the issue date of the original H1-B!
Does my 'normal' H1-B visa validity technically end on 04, Jun 2004 or is it really six years of H1-B visa term (counted by date of issue and date of expiration on each individual visa stamping, in which case I would still have some time left for my 6 yr completion)? If it's the former, does it make a difference that my most recent visa stamp (and the date on my I-94 Departure record card) show validity till 27, Mar 2005? Do I still have to apply for a 7th year extension anyway by 04, Jun 2004? What is the earliest I can apply for this?
Would appreciate any help - Happy New Year!
Venkat