How critical is visa stamp to stay in USA

[h1b2016]

Dear forum members,

Could you please guide in following hypothetical but a very probable situation-

Lets say I get visa stamped for validity till Sept-16 with similar dates on I-94, I-797.
Emp applies for extension or there is a visa-transfer which results in new I-797 having validity beyond Sept-16 for 2 more yrs.

1. Since the stamped visa is valid till Sept-16 can the person+dependants stay in US beyond Sept-16 also if they don't leave US

2. If they are allowed to stay what difficulties they might face e.g driving license/Rent/any other utilities etc or similar important things that one needs to stay in US

In a nutshell, all I am trying to ask is how critical is it to have a valid stamped visa in ones passport to be able stay in US without facing such day-to-day life issues.

Or is it as simple that person needs to get the Visa stamped as soon as its due to expire from outside India to stay hassle-free.

Thanks in Advance.

Cheers!!!

[shervin143]

1. Since the stamped visa is valid till Sept-16 can the person+dependants stay in US beyond Sept-16 also if they don't leave US
>>> Yes. Valid visa is only required to enter U.S and not to stay in U.S. To stay in U.S a valid petition and an I-94 is what is required.

2. If they are allowed to stay what difficulties they might face e.g driving license/Rent/any other utilities etc or similar important things that one needs to stay in US
>>> There will be no such issues as long as you have a valid I-94.

In a nutshell, all I am trying to ask is how critical is it to have a valid stamped visa in ones passport to be able stay in US without facing such day-to-day life issues. Or is it as simple that person needs to get the Visa stamped as soon as its due to expire from outside India to stay hassle-free.
>>> Read above answer.

[h1b2016]

Thanks!!!

1. Since the stamped visa is valid till Sept-16 can the person+dependants stay in US beyond Sept-16 also if they don't leave US
>>> Yes. Valid visa is only required to enter U.S and not to stay in U.S. To stay in U.S a valid petition and an I-94 is what is required.

2. If they are allowed to stay what difficulties they might face e.g driving license/Rent/any other utilities etc or similar important things that one needs to stay in US
>>> There will be no such issues as long as you have a valid I-94.

In a nutshell, all I am trying to ask is how critical is it to have a valid stamped visa in ones passport to be able stay in US without facing such day-to-day life issues. Or is it as simple that person needs to get the Visa stamped as soon as its due to expire from outside India to stay hassle-free.
>>> Read above answer.

Thanks a lot Shervin.

Cheers.