I-94 question

[harikrish]

I have a valid H1B stamping from my ex-employer until feb 2009. When I changed employer I got a new I-797 which is valid till feb 2010. I went outside the country and came back in. At the POE, I got new I-94 only till feb 2009. What can I do now? Do I have to go out of the country to rectify this or can I do something within US itself? Am I in violation?

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question.

[txh1b]

If you had presented the right I797, you would have got the I-94 date correct. It is your duty to check that. Go back to POE and get the I-94 corrected. If they don't, you need to plan to travel before the current I-94 expires.

[harikrish]

txh1b,

Thanks for that quick reply. Ya, I understand it is my mistake. Can I go across the border to canada and while coming back get the new I-94 using the I-797 approval notice or should I have to go back to home country (India) for this? Can the local immigration office take care of this (wild hope!!!!)? Thanks.

[txh1b]

You could try Canada. First try the airport deferred inspection office. They can help if they are willing to.

If not, you could also apply for a H1b extension instead of travel to home country as company has to pay for it

[harikrish]

Thanks txh1b, I got this fixed. I went to the airport deferred inspection office and they issued new I-94 with correct dates.

[txh1b]

Which airport was this?

[harikrish]

Boston. My POE was Chicago.