Problem in H1b stamping

[mkarthik]

Hello,
I am on my F1 visa currently. Country of citizenship is India. My EAD card expires on 06/15/2004. I got my H1b approval notice.
The valid dates are 06/05/2004 to 06/05/2007. I have the following problem.

I want to go to India in April 04. I will return in May. I cannot get my Visa as valid date on approval notice is 06/05/04. Can I use my F1 visa to enter in May and the next trip I take to India after 06/05/2004 I can get my H1 visa from the consulate. Is there any problem doing this? Is this at all possible?

Thanks
- Karthik

 

[kd1403]

mkarthik:

You should be able to get your h-1b visa stamped during your first visit to india. Check with the consulate to see if they would cancel your F-1 visa on issuance of H-1B visa. If they cancel then it is an issue.

You dont have to have the h-1b visa stamped to be eligible to work. Once your opt expires as long as you have the H-1B approval you should be in good shape without need to get the visa stamped unless you plan to do some international travel!