original i797 not returned by consulate after visa stamping

USA H1B Visa
1

Hi

We completed our visa interview in Oct2013 at Mumbai consulate. Consulate officer took my husband's original i797 and did not returned with passport. We also did not ask for it. Later we came to know it should be returned to us. On inquiry, consulate informed us on email that they do not retain any document. My specific question is:



1. Do we need original i797 in future since our visa's are now stamped?



2. If yes, how to get duplicate copy? Can we apply on our own to USCIS or we have to go through employer for duplicate?



Thanks in advance
2

U can get a copy by requesting USCIS, talk to ur employer or attorney on this

Most of the times a scan copy or a xerox copy would work, AFAIK

3

http://www.us-immigration.com/form-I-824-replace-I-797.jsp?q=lost%20I797%20form&referrer=st-organic-search-lost%20I797%20form