Appropriate time to go for H1 Stamping

[h1bquery]

Hi,

I just received my H1B approved petition(valid thru 2010) via COS from an L2. My L2 visa expires July 2008 and my passport expires July 2009. I have the following queries:

a) When is the right time to go for H1B stamping in my home country considering the fact that I need atleast 6 months validity on my passport during stamping?
b) Can I go to Mexico/Canada to get my stamping done as I have my original I797 and I-94 from the COS?
c) Or is there a mandate that I have to get a stamping in my home country as this is my first H1B visa?

I would appreciate a response.

[txh1b]

I am assuming you are currently working for the H1b employer and getting paid which is a first requirement for a H1b holder to be in proper status after a COS.

a. Anytime is fine. The pp should have 6 months remaining. You can renew the passport 12 months before it expires.
b. Many people do. If you don't have a US degree, the VO could ask you to go to home country. Like I said, many get the stamp successfully.
c. No such mandate.

Above all, you need not get a stamp as long as you don't want to travel. A valid H1b I-94 is all you need to remain legally in the US and before I forget, getting paid on H1b.

[h1bquery]

a. Anytime is fine. The pp should have 6 months remaining. You can renew the passport 12 months before it expires.
b. Many people do. If you don't have a US degree, the VO could ask you to go to home country. Like I said, many get the stamp successfully.

a. So can I renew my passport in Washington DC as I currently reside in Washington DC? Does immihelp have a link on how to achieve this?
b. I have a US Masters Degree, can I go to Mexico/Canada for stamping?

[txh1b]

a. Yes. It is a simple process. Look up the consulate website and they have all instructions over there as well.
b. Yes.

Could you not look if the instructions were available on immihelp by spending a few minutes?
/indian-passport-services-in-usa/