How long can I go on without getting my H1B stamped (have not left US in 5 yrs!)

[rahulsharma147]

I entered US in Aug03 for my MS, and after completing my MS started working on H1B starting Oct06.

Problem being that I have not gone out of the US at all since first entering in Aug03, and so have not got my H1B stamped yet.

My question is - how long can I go on like this, as I have no foreseeable plans of travel to India or anywhere outside the US.

Would really appreciate advise/help.

Thanks,

Rahul

[knowledgeable]

Doesn't matter

As long as you don't have to return to the US @ POE, you don't need a visa stamped on your passport.

You do need the approval.

You may as well continue to stay here forever, file and get your GC and even Citizenship and never get the visa stamped in your PP.

Good luck.

[waitin_toolong]

although some state DMV's might force you to get it stamped just to renew driver license, just a thought.

[rahulsharma147]

Hi Waiting_toolong and Knowledgeable!

Thanks a lot for your answers.

I thought that it would be no problem, and your answers confirmed it. My company has filed for my GC so I might just stay in the US till it gets approved!

Shall check up on the DMV issue though - thats a good point.

Thanks!

Rahul