H-1B transfer and appointment in India

USA H1B Visa
1

Hello,
Currently I am in the USA and on an H-1B visa. My current visa expires by the end of September 2022. My new H-1B visa (H-1B transfer) will be through a new employer. Both the employers - current and the new one are cap-exempt - as they are universities. I have to be in India for an unchangeable reason in the first week of December. Given I will be travelling to India, stamping of H-1B visa will be required on my passport before I return to the USA. Questions are:

  1. Can I book an appointment for the interview/drop-box in one of the US consulates in India based on my current I-129 petition receipt number and approved I-797 form?

  2. If yes, can I later - before travelling to India (once I have my new I-129 petition receipt number and new approved I-797 form from the new employer) - change the I-129 petition receipt number to the newest one?

Please note: this will be my first time H-1B visa stamping.

Your help will be very much appreciated.

Thank you!

2

Yes.

Yes, you can update DS160 later on with the new I-797.

3

Thank you very much, Kalpesh. Just a few more questions for clarification purpose.

  1. If I understand correctly, I can book an appointment for the interview/drop-box in one of the US consulates in India - in the month of either November or December 2022 based on my current I-129 petition receipt number and approved I-797 form - even if my current one expires by the end of September 2022.

  2. Based on the above point - before submitting the DS-160 and before even I travel to India, once my new I-797 approval comes in - I can change the receipt number on the DS-160 application form with the new one and then submit it.

Very much appreciate your help!

4

Yes, your understanding is current.

Yes.