Hello all, I extended my H1b visa within USA in Oct 2023. My previous H1b and 1-94 were valid till 03/31/2024. I travelled to Mexico for visa stamping in June 2024 and reentered through Laredo land border. CBP officer looked at my new visa stamping in passport, checked my I-797 and let me in to USA. She did not stamp my passport with new i-94 and said it will be updated automatically and that my new i-94 on I-797 was enough proof of maintaining my lawful H1 b status. When I checked I-94 online it still shows previous expiry date of March 31st, 2024, and did not update to new expiry date of Oct 2026. Should I be concerned? If so, can I contact CBP via email/online to correct this mistake? Or do I have to travel to land border again to correct this? Any guidance would be much appreciated, Thanks.
Did they give you a paper i94? Usually, at land border, they give paper i94.
No they did not. But if I remember correctly, officer even told me new i-94 in my New I-797 is good enough to continue my status. But I see different narratives online. Thats why somewhat confused about this. Some attorneys online are recommending going to a CBP local deferred inspection office to correct this. I do not know if it is safe to do that or I need to go through an attorney?
Did you return from Mexico trip within 30 days?
If yes, then, your most recent i94 (which is attached to your i797 as per your statement) should be valid.
This i94, which is attached to i797 is normally not updated online.
Yes, I returned with in 3 days after Visa stamping.
Thanks, Anil, for the clarification.