No Name

i currently have an h-1b from my university in the
u.s., which is valid for another three years or so. in my passport, i have an h1-b
stamp from my previous university which is valid for another four months.

my question is: if i go to canada, will they issue a new h1 stamp (even though the
current stamp has not expired) with the new expiration date, or does my current stamp
have to expire before i can get a new one?

if the answer to the above question is that i have to wait until my current stamp
expires, then can i still leave and enter the us in the next two months on my current
stamp (before it expires) but with the new I797? what other documentation should i
have with me?

thanks!

v.

Sylvia Ottemoeller

No Name wrote:

    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >

The rule of thumb is that the consulate will normally issue the visa if the previous
visa is within 60 days of expiring.

    >
    >
    >
    >

Yes, you can use the current stamp to enter, right up until the expiration date, with
the new I-797. Carry a copy of the H-1B petition.

Please note that you can get a new stamp by mail. However, you have to have a stretch
of about 8 weeks in which you don't need to travel. See
http://travel.state.gov/hlop.html.