Change of status: B2 - H1

USA H1B Visa
1

Hi,

I am from India and my H1b was picked up in 2021 lottery and got approval in Feb 2022. I went for my visa stamping in July 2022 but received 221g which is still in admin processing.

Now can I travel to US on my B1/B2 visa apply for SSN with my I-797 Approval notice and do a COS there start working on my project. And later when I receive an email from the embassy to submit passport I would travel to India submit it for stamping and get passport stamped nd return to US with the newly stamped visa. Its been 50 days since my 22g is issues.

Is it legitimate to do so?

2

If you enter using B1/B2, you may not be eligible to apply for SSN even if you have I-797.
If you try to do COS, it will take long time, may be more than the B2 period of stay of 6 months.

I would just suggest waiting for your visa decision. You may follow-up though with the consulate, if you have already submitted the documents in response to 221g.