Is H1 renewal petition enough for applying for visitors visa

[radhika]

Hi,

My husband's first 3 years of H1 B visa has expired,and he applied for renewal in March 2004.Recently,I happened to hear that the drop box facility is going to be available only for 78 and up candidates from july onwards instead of 60 and up.I want my parents to be able to use the drop box facility before july 16th,but not sure if H1B renewal will come through before that.Can my husband sponser my parents based on a "renewed petition" instead of a "stamped H1 B"??Please help!Thanks in advance.

[SidChan]

It should work. I was in the exact same position when I sponsored my parents and they did not have any problem at the embassy!
Just make sure your parents understand what that paper means; what your status is, what is the status of your visas etc...and are able to convey the same to the officer if questioned.
Good luck!

[radhika]

Thanks a million for the reply!
Again,In this case,both the H1 and I 94 expired on june 10th 2004,and so,will it be a problem since there is not a valid visa available,and only a renewal petition?
One more ques, in this case,can they go for a drop box?They are both over 60.Please help!Thanks.

[chennaiguy]

what about H4?.. can the spouse still go ahead for H4 stamping based on renewed petition... thanks....

[SidChan]

Shouldn't be a problem....even my h1b and i94 had both expired when my parents went for their visas!
Don't know about the drop box....although the rules say anyone over 60 but recently we've been reading about a lot of people being called for personal interviews....
Although I don't see why they should not be eligible to apply thru drop box if your visas have expired...

A lot of people on this forum recomend (based on their experience) going for personal interview first off instead of via the drop box and then getting called in again...
Don't worry about the interview, it isn't so bad and your parents should be okay! :)

Chennaiguy; don't know if h4 stamping is possible on a renewed petition...it might be worth a shot to make a phone call or send an email to the TTS guys. Don't really know of anyone who has been in this situation!
I

[radhika]

Thanks Sid!