Status of H1 B after return to India

[h1helpmeout]

Hi

I was working in USA on H1 B visa. I was laid off so I decided to return back to India. Now I have heard that economy is recovering and I will like to look for a new job out there. CAn someone tell me what happens to my earlier H1 B visa? Will I have to apply again or my old visa can be revalidated. My H1B visa will expire in 2011 and its been 6 months since I returned to India. I am not sure if my employer informed USCIS about the same. Is my visa still valid?

Please let me know.

Thanks

BA

[kabkaba]

If a new employer files and gets approved a petition for you, you may use that petition approval notice and your existing visa to enter the US and work for the new employer.