Visa stamping and I94 end date - Passport expiry 8 months

[Koteswara Devarasetti]

Hi All,

1. My Current Passport expiry date is Jan 17, 2023
2. Drop Box Appointment Scheduled for : May 24, 2022 ( 7.5 months before from Passport Expiry)
3. US Return date Planned : Jun 28, 2022 (Exactly 6.5 months before Passport Expiry)…

Can you please help answer following questions :

1. Will there be any issue with Visa stamping and US return with this Passport Validity ? I heard more than 6 months validity is required for Visa stamping and Entering into US.
2. Also will the i94 expiry date will be in accordance with Passport expiry or H1 i797 expiry ? incase if its updated with Passport expiry , do i have to exit the country and get new i94 with a new passport before expiry date of old passport.
3. Also there is one month difference between Dropbox appointment and return travel , would that suffice to get the passport even if it went in admin processing and gets approved ?

Do you suggest applying for new passport before visa stamping would help to avoid any issues ? If so , i already scheduled the Dropbox appointment with old passport , Can I still go ahead and apply for new passport before Visa Appointment