Time limit for H1b stamping

[queryforh1]

hi
i have received approval notice of h1b in oct 2008.
since then i am on h1b.

Q1. My question is how long before i have to go for h1b stamping?

Q2. Is there any minimum time limit before i have to go for H1b stamping?
(i know i will have to go for renewal after 3 years, but what about the first stamping.)

Q3. Will i violate any rules if i go for stamping in December 2009?

[arajesh19]

hi
i have received approval notice of h1b in oct 2008.
since then i am on h1b.

Q1. My question is how long before i have to go for h1b stamping?

--- Only if you plan to leave the country and return between now and the expiry of your H1B petition, you will have to get an H1B stamping done. If you are not planning on leaving the country, you do not need any stamping. Stamping is only for entry to the US.

Q2. Is there any minimum time limit before i have to go for H1b stamping?
(i know i will have to go for renewal after 3 years, but what about the first stamping.)

--- You don't have to leave the country specifically for stamping. Since you are in the US already, your I-797 petition governs your stay. So you are good. After 3 years, your renewal will be done based on your current petition, so you don't have to worry about leaving the country and getting a stamp for visa (or in correct terms, Work Permit) renewal.

Q3. Will i violate any rules if i go for stamping in December 2009?

--- No

Thanks
Rajesh

[txh1b]

Since you are in the US already, your I-797 petition governs your stay. [/B]

I-94 date determines the valid stay. For this user, both would be the same.

[queryforh1]

thnx gurus..........
i understand about the Rajesh's reply


okey my I 94 doesn not have any expiry date on it
it only has stamp of the date on which i entered usa
it doesnt have any expiry date?

what is that i have to be careful about i 94?

[arajesh19]

thnx gurus..........
i understand about the Rajesh's reply


okey my I 94 doesn not have any expiry date on it
it only has stamp of the date on which i entered usa
it doesnt have any expiry date?

what is that i have to be careful about i 94?

--- This is a strange situation. There has always been a "valid until" date on my I-94 which is hand written by the VO. This is the white I-94 that I am talking about here which is provided upon reaching the US.

For I-797 petition, if there is an I-94 attached, it should contain a From XX/XX/ YYYY to Until XX/XX/ YYYY date. Please verify this.

Thanks
Rajesh