H1b Visa Extension from India

[rsk_avcce]

I have got my H1 B stamping last week and my expiry date is 31-Jan-2011 (I 797 in valid from 01-Oct-2009 to 31-Jan-2011). Now, I need to extend my visa. Is it possible to extend it from India, I need to travel to US and extend from there only?

If I can extedn from there, then what are the documents I need for my extension application and how long it will take. Also, latest by when I can apply for H4 for my spouse and kid?

I have not yet travelled to US on H1 B, but travelled twice on B1.

- Sathish

[shervin143]

Your employer can file a new petition and when that gets approved, you can go for visa stamping again. If you travel to U.S before your current visa expires, then your employer can file for H1B extension while you are in U.S and the extension will come with a new I-94 which will allow you to stay for extended period until allowed by the new I-94.

The list of doucment is same as what you provided your employer for filing the first time H1B petition. H4 visa for spouse and kids can be applied anytime as long as your petition is valid. You could have taken your family along with you when you went for H1B stamping. That way, they would have got their H4 along with your H1B.