Passport expiring, stamp + petition valid till 2012

[cmn0548]

Hello all,

I have not traveled to the states yet, but here is my questions:

Please note the points below:

1. I have obtained my H1-b stamp in my passport till October 2012
2. My petition is valid till October 2012
3. My passport expires in July 2010

I have 2 options, either

a) travel to the US on my existing passport and renew INSIDE the US
or
b) Get a new passport in my home country and travel to the US, for the first time, with both passports.

I understand at the Point Of Entry the visa officer MAY stamp my I-94 to the validity of the passport.

I have 2 questions:
* Which option should I go for?
* If my visa stamp is valid till 2012 and I obtain a new passport in 2009, do I have to go for a h1b interview at the consulate again or can I enter the US carrying both passports (my older one will have my valid visa stamp)

 

[ginnu]

Hello all,

I have not traveled to the states yet, but here is my questions:

Please note the points below:

1. I have obtained my H1-b stamp in my passport till October 2012
2. My petition is valid till October 2012
3. My passport expires in July 2010

I have 2 options, either

a) travel to the US on my existing passport and renew INSIDE the US
or
---------------------Then you will get I-94 till July 2010

b) Get a new passport in my home country and travel to the US, for the first time, with both passports.
------------------That is better and you will get I-94 till October 2012

I understand at the Point Of Entry the visa officer MAY stamp my I-94 to the validity of the passport.
-------------------correct.
I have 2 questions:
* Which option should I go for?
* If my visa stamp is valid till 2012 and I obtain a new passport in 2009, do I have to go for a h1b interview at the consulate again or can I enter the US carrying both passports (my older one will have my valid visa stamp)
--------------------Renew the passport and carry both the passport stapled. at POE show the passport page that has Visa stamp.

--------------------

 

[cmn0548]

wow, great advice ginnu. Thank you much

Last Q:

So the valid visa stamped in the old passport is valid even though that passport has expired? Of course I'll be showing the new one too.

 

[ginnu]

wow, great advice ginnu. Thank you much

Last Q:

So the valid visa stamped in the old passport is valid even though that passport has expired?
-------------------Visa stamp is valid. visa stamp is from US embassy or US consulate and Passport from your country.
Of course I'll be showing the new one too.
-----------at POE show the page that has valid visa stamp and keep both the passport stapled.

before apply for new passport make the copy of the passport that has valid Visa.