automatic revalidation with expired white card, valid i797

[aguy]

Hello:

I have a last minute doubt - my H1B stamp on the passport is expired, so is the white I94 card. I have a valid I797 extension.

Can I use automatic revalidation? I am in doubt because the white I94 card is expired and I will have to present it to the officer at the port of entry.

Thanks.

[dealsnet]

If your extension paper come with I-94 attached, take it and staple it on your passport. (That is your new I-94). White paper need to keep in safe place. If it is expired, no value for it.

Originally Posted by aguy

Hello:

I have a last minute doubt - my H1B stamp on the passport is expired, so is the white I94 card. I have a valid I797 extension.

Can I use automatic revalidation? I am in doubt because the white I94 card is expired and I will have to present it to the officer at the port of entry.

Thanks.

[aguy]

Can I use AVR even if I am on my 8th year of H1B (because of an approved I140, waiting for I485 to become current)?

[dealsnet]

First year or 10th year of H1B, the law is same.

Originally Posted by aguy

Can I use AVR even if I am on my 8th year of H1B (because of an approved I140, waiting for I485 to become current)?

[aguy]

The reason I ask is, someone sent me this from the NAFSA Adviser's Manual (2006 release) (check the last point) -

7.27.2.1 Exception for travel to Canada or Mexico for 30 days or less
Under the "automatic extension of validity at ports-of-entry" provision, an H-IB alien may reenter the U.S. after a trip solely to Canada or Mexico that lasted no more than 30 days, without the need to obtain a new H-IB visa, even if the individual's prior H-IB visa has expired.

H-1B automatic revalidation different than that for F and J nonimmigrants
F and J nonimmigrants can use the automatic revalidation of visa provision not only after a trip to Canada and Mexico, but after a trip to the islands in the Caribbean as well. H-lB travel under this provision is limited to Canada and Mexico only.

7.27.2.2
Continued validity of H visas after employer change If the H-IB worker has changed employers since first entering the United States and has a valid visa annotated for the previous employer, he or she may reenter the U.S. using that visa, provided he or she presents a valid H-IB approval notice for the new employer upon reentry to the United States.

7.27.2.3 Revalidation of H visas in the United States no longer possible
Prior to July 17,2004, nonimmigrants in H status could apply for a new H visa through the DOS Visa Office in Washington, D.C., but only if they had already obtained one visa abroad in the category being applied for. This process was known as "revalidation." Effective July 17, 2004, the Department of State no longer accepts applications for revalidation of H visas.

7.27.2.4 H-1 B visa eligibility after an extension of H-1 B status beyond 6 years
Caution! H-IB nonimmigrants that have received extensions ofH-lB status beyond 6 years under AC21 continue to be bound by the requirement to have a valid H-IB visa for entry to the United States after travel abroad. If the nonimmigrant's visa has expired, he or she will
have to obtain a new H -1 B visa on the basis of an approved H -lB petition in order to reenter the United States, like any H-IB nonimmigrant.

It is not clear if this is exclusive of 7.27.2.1. See me dilemma?

[GC_1000Watt]

Originally Posted by aguy

The reason I ask is, someone sent me this from the NAFSA Adviser's Manual (2006 release) (check the last point) -

7.27.2.1 Exception for travel to Canada or Mexico for 30 days or less
Under the "automatic extension of validity at ports-of-entry" provision, an H-IB alien may reenter the U.S. after a trip solely to Canada or Mexico that lasted no more than 30 days, without the need to obtain a new H-IB visa, even if the individual's prior H-IB visa has expired.

H-1B automatic revalidation different than that for F and J nonimmigrants
F and J nonimmigrants can use the automatic revalidation of visa provision not only after a trip to Canada and Mexico, but after a trip to the islands in the Caribbean as well. H-lB travel under this provision is limited to Canada and Mexico only.

7.27.2.2
Continued validity of H visas after employer change If the H-IB worker has changed employers since first entering the United States and has a valid visa annotated for the previous employer, he or she may reenter the U.S. using that visa, provided he or she presents a valid H-IB approval notice for the new employer upon reentry to the United States.

7.27.2.3 Revalidation of H visas in the United States no longer possible
Prior to July 17,2004, nonimmigrants in H status could apply for a new H visa through the DOS Visa Office in Washington, D.C., but only if they had already obtained one visa abroad in the category being applied for. This process was known as "revalidation." Effective July 17, 2004, the Department of State no longer accepts applications for revalidation of H visas.

7.27.2.4 H-1 B visa eligibility after an extension of H-1 B status beyond 6 years
Caution! H-IB nonimmigrants that have received extensions ofH-lB status beyond 6 years under AC21 continue to be bound by the requirement to have a valid H-IB visa for entry to the United States after travel abroad. If the nonimmigrant's visa has expired, he or she will
have to obtain a new H -1 B visa on the basis of an approved H -lB petition in order to reenter the United States, like any H-IB nonimmigrant.

It is not clear if this is exclusive of 7.27.2.1. See me dilemma?

This is really interesting. So consider this case gurus. If somebody has a valid H1B extension till say 2012 and if he goes for stamping in mexico and gets 221(g). Then can he come back to USA even if his old H1B and old I-94 has expired?
I will appreciate your thoughts on this.