Question regarding H1B extension

[arindapal]

Hi All,
Need a quick suggestion & guidance. My H1B petition got approved last year in Feb’20 but due to the Covid-19 pandemic I wasn’t able to get my Visa stamped, which finally happened this year in Sep’21. But now the problem is my Visa expiration date is 31st Dec’21.
I wanted to know the best way here amongst the below two options:
I file extension after reaching US?
I file extension from India only?
Please help me know what is the correct & best amongst the above 2 options?
(My company says that I have to do it before 45 days from expiry and same I have read online also that “USCIS recommends filing an extension within 45 days of the H-1B visa’s expiration”) Would really appreciate if someone could guide me on the same.
TIA????

[rkk09]

Hi Member,
if you are outside of the USA and your H1B is going to expire in another few days then it is better to file extend of current H1B petition then plan for visa stamping.. If you have already got visa stamped then travel to the USA as soon as you can then file Ext immediately.
As per my knowledge, H1B extension can be initiated before 180 days of current H1B expire.
All the best.
Thanks

[newacct]

When does your current H1b petition expire?