I had applied for H1B for the first time in April 2013 and got an H1B for 1 year i.e Oct 2013 to Sep 2014. I didn’t leave USA in this period thus haven’t gotten it stamped yet. I have filed for extension through the same employer however it will take at least 1-2 months from now to get result (got RFE, non-important and responded).
I wish to visit India around end of Oct 2014 for a couple of weeks for a very close family function. Thus I would like to know if I could obtain a suitable H1B visa stamping date right now? Getting a visa stamping date now would help me to figure out travel plans/ ticket booking etc. In case I don’t get a result by that time, I could cancel that date and reschedule for a future date (probably after getting the approval).
As per my understanding, I can reschedule the interview date upto 1 yr with same DS 160 and visa fee without any issue/ monetary loss. Please correct me if I am wrong and also let me know if this would be a good plan or if there are any unconsidered/ ignored points?
Before you take an appointment you have to fill DS 160 form which asks for petition details start and end date of petition. You can not ask date for appointment in october for a petition that expires in sept.
Though I know how to juggle out of this situation , my advice to you is- do not act smart with American consulate.
Playing with American consulate is not your cup of Tea.
And there is no need for this. You can not get visa stamped without proper approved petition.Once you have it , it is possible to get fast appointment.
Follow the right path. Do not try unnecessary short cuts.
Thanks a lot - I had forgotten the petition dates are needed for DS 160. Definitely will not take short cuts. I am a bit worried about getting dates though - do you happen to know availability for Mumbai and anything else that I can do to make sure this goes fine?
Your help is highly appreciated.
These days real availability of dates is known only after you pay the fees and receipt gets activated…However For H1 cat. dates should be available at Mumbai in 1 week or 10 days