H1 Visa - Validity - Expert - Mr. Subramanya Please help

[muda]

Hi,
My H1 petetion got approved in year 2005 from Company "A" and its validity is till Year 2008, but I didn't get it stamped due to some personal reasons and also went to US from my current Company "B" for 6 months in year 2006. Now I want to get my H1 Visa stamped on my passport...

1. When I fill my DS156, 157 form should I fill duration as 3 years or just 1 year (as it is valid only till 2008)?

2. When I get my visa stamped? How long will it be valid?

3. When should I be filing for renewal of my H1 after getting stamped?

4. From what i heard, is my 6 years count will start from the day 1 enter US irrespective of my validity of my H1. Is that true?

Thanks

[Subramanya]

H1 issues

My H1 petetion got approved in year 2005 from Company "A" and its validity is till Year 2008, but I didn't get it stamped due to some personal reasons and also went to US from my current Company "B" for 6 months in year 2006. Now I want to get my H1 Visa stamped on my passport...

1. When I fill my DS156, 157 form should I fill duration as 3 years or just 1 year (as it is valid only till 2008)?

---- Duration is only till the validity of your H1 approval notice

2. When I get my visa stamped? How long will it be valid?

---- The validity of your H1 approval notice

3. When should I be filing for renewal of my H1 after getting stamped?

---- when you are nearing the end of your H1 validity period (but not less than 6 months)

4. From what i heard, is my 6 years count will start from the day 1 enter US irrespective of my validity of my H1. Is that true?

---- NO. If you enter US at later date than the start date, then you have to apply for recapturing that period. This recapture period will be granted to you provided your reasons are genuine and are acceptable to the USCIS

Subramanya