H1b Stamping In Another Country

[Elwald]

Hi,

I have a approved petition. Its start date is 13-April-2011. It seems I should got for stamping within 6 months otherwise it would get expired. I am in Sweden & can't travel to India for stamping within 6 months. Can I get the H1B stamping done in Sweden ?

Thank you in advance.

Rgds,

Kranthi

ANSWER: Hi,

You must be residing in Sweden in order to apply at a U.S. Consulate in Sweden for H1B visa stamp. If you are only a visitor, the Consulate will probably not issue you the visa stamp.

Incidentally, you can apply for H1B visa stamp at the appropriate U.S. Consulate any time prior to expiration of validity date noted on H1B approval notice(Form I-797). There is no deadline to apply for visa stamp within six months of H1B approval.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

I am a citizen of India but currently I am in Sweden on a work permit.

In this case can I go for stamping at US consulate in Sweden ??

My petition validity period as per I-797 is 13-April-2011 to 12-April-2014. I heard that I shud go for stamping within 6 months after the approval(ie by 13-Oct-2011 I should get it stamped). Please let me know how far it is true ?

Thank you in advance,

Regards,

Kranthi

[Moketaveto]

Hi,

As you are currently residing in Sweden, you can apply for an H1B visa stamp at a U.S. Consulate in Sweden.

You can apply in either Sweden or a U.S. Consulate in your home country any time prior to expiration of validity date noted on H1B approval notice(Form I-797). There is no deadline to apply for visa stamp within six months of H1B approval, as long as when you do apply the H1B employer still has a job waiting for you in the U.S. as noted in H1B petition.