I-797A for H1 and H4 visa

[lkeanmun]

I'm in the USA now with my H-1 effective this October and my wife, who is not in the USA, will apply H-4 visa in her home country and join me at the end of the year. Also I might go back to my home country next year for vacation and thus I want to make sure I have the correct information regarding H-1 and H-4 visa application.

I have some ambiguities here regarding I-797A. I heard some people said the original copy is needed for visa application while some people say no. What I have on hand is the photocopy of the upper portion and the original copy of lower portion. On the I-797A, it says that my petitioner will hold the original of upper portion and I should have the original lower portion. I am planning to send my wife the photocopies of both upper and lower portion of I-797A. Will the photocopied I-797A be accepted in H-4 visa application?

And for myself, I will apply for H-1 visa stamp in my home country once I leave the USA for vacation. Do I need the original upper + original lower portion of I-797A, or photocopy upper + original lower will do?

I appreciate your help, thanks a lot.

[lkeanmun]

I went through some of the posts and many people seem to have the original copy of I-797A (I guess they have the original upper and lower). But is it legal for beneficiary to take the original upper since it's clearly stated on I-797A that petitioner should take it?

[txh1b]

I went through some of the posts and many people seem to have the original copy of I-797A (I guess they have the original upper and lower). But is it legal for beneficiary to take the original upper since it's clearly stated on I-797A that petitioner should take it?

It is legal and you definitely need it.