H1B Status/Stamping/Travel Queries

[Sarath]

H1B Receipt Notification date: 09 May 2006

Current Status: OPT (Expires on 30 September 2006)
Visa is still under process in Regular Processing (20,000 MS Quota).

I have to make a trip to India in the month of Aug / September.

Please advise me on the following:

1. Given that it takes long time to get appointments, should I go ahead and take some appointment in Mexico as soon as possible and when the Visa is issued, go for that stamping appointment?

2. Should I upgrade the processing to Premium Processing?

3. I had requested 15 May as the start date. When I get my visa, which date will be the start date? 15 May or the date it is issued?

4. I have been working as a consultant since December 2005 on OPT staus (which expires on 30 Sept 2006). Do I still need to have 3 paystubs minimum after the date of issual of the Visa?

Any suggestions / opinions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Sarath

[anitashetty]

Travel

Hi there,
I am in a similar situation. According to my attorney the H1 will be effective from oct1st 2006.(Not earlier) and even if you get stamped in aug for oct1st 2006. You will still work on your opt untill sep. So if you travel in aug or sep (even after stamping) it will be on opt.
I hope this helps.

Anita