Need to travel outside US with expired H-1B and extension in progress

[MB1983]

Hi Everyone,

My colleague's H-1B and I94 have expired and the extension has been filed in regular processing. He wants to travel to India during this time.

Can he go outside US on an expired visa? He is planing to get the approval while in India, get it stamped and come back. Since I94 process has become electronic now, would it cause any issues?

Any help is appreciated.

Regards,
MB