H1B petition is not approved yet and passport is expiring

[gydave2000]

Hi,

I have applied for H1B this year and went though the lottery. Till this date my H1B petition is not approved and status is still "Case Was Received". Now my passport is expiring in December 2015. Actually I hold my passport renewal as I had plan to renew it after H1B approval with understanding that for regular processing it maximum takes 6 months to get H1B approval decision. Unfortunately my H1B approval is stretching beyond October now. I have 2 questions. That,

1 - Will passport expiry in December affect my chances of H1B approval?
2 - When exactly I should now renew my passport considering delay in H1B approval?

Experts, please kindly guide.

[raghvi]

Hi,

I have applied for H1B this year and went though the lottery. Till this date my H1B petition is not approved and status is still "Case Was Received". Now my passport is expiring in December 2015. Actually I hold my passport renewal as I had plan to renew it after H1B approval with understanding that for regular processing it maximum takes 6 months to get H1B approval decision. Unfortunately my H1B approval is stretching beyond October now. I have 2 questions. That,

1 - Will passport expiry in December affect my chances of H1B approval?
2 - When exactly I should now renew my passport considering delay in H1B approval?

Experts, please kindly guide.

1. Don't think so.
2. Any time should be fine. I would suggest you do so immediately, because even if petition is approved, you would need a new passport before going for stamping.

This is my opinion not legal advice.