H1 B expiry question

[sundarvarad]

Hello all,
My H1 B is getting expired on March 30 2009. I m planning to go to India for a vacation in Jan 3rd week of 2009, returning back on feb 3rd week. My employer has also initiated the h1 b extension.

I have the following questions

a. Can I travel to India and come back with my old H1? If so, how long before the expiry period do i need to be in US?
b. if my company files my h1 b extension, can i go to vacation and come back with my old H1 visa by feb 3rd week?
c. if i receive my h1 extension visa before travelling to india, can i go to India and return back with my old un expired H1? or do i need to go for stamping

please let me know

Thanks

[txh1b]

a. Yes till the date it is valid.
b. Not a good idea. It would be better if they applied for an extension after you return. Talk to your company if they can handle it.
c. Yes. The old visa + old I797 + new I797 would get you I-94 till new I797 expiration.