Indian passport renewal and I-94 extension for H1B visa holder in COVID-19 special situation

I am an Indian citizen, residing in California, USA on an H1B Visa. My passport is expiring in mid-June, 2020, along with my I-94. My visa is valid until December, 2021. I have my 2 year old son on H4 along with me with the same I-94 expiration date. As CKGS, SFO is closed until informed, I am unable to renew my passport and hence my I-94 can not get extended. Please suggest what I should do in this condition? Any help is appreciated.

Best Answer

I tried reaching out to their 24x7 emergency number on https://www.cgisf.gov.in/page/emergency-services-menu/ and they called me back. They told to wait until 3rd May which is lockdown end date at the moment for SFO California. If offices do not open by then, I need to call them and they will help to get passport renewed.

Also I called USCIS and CBP helpline and they told my employer can file I-129 but it will take pretty long. Though their guideline says I should have a valid passport while applying I-94 extension, they still check for the duration of the passport to give extension of stay (unfortunately). So applying for extension now will not help me at all looks like. USCIS Los Angeles Field Office is open and once I get my renewed passport, I can walk in to their office and they can renew my I-94 immediately.

So Finally I know what to do. Thank you everyone for suggestion. I got way to dig information.

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How can I extend my I-94 for H1B visa?

Overview of all options to get I-94 Extended

Cross US Border by land and return.

Visit nearest SENTRI enrollment center.

Visit CBP office at a US Port of Entry.

As your attorney to file Extension with USCIS.

Call CBP Deferred Inspection Sites, send email, get updated.

Does I-94 get update after H-1B extension?

If a change of status or extension of stay has been granted, the I-94 will be at the bottom of the I-797 approval notice, and then you are not required to travel outside the U.S. and apply for an H-1B visa in order to \u201cactivate\u201d your H-1B approval.

Is passport validity required for H-1B extension?

Passport ValidityKeep your passport valid for six months beyond the duration of your H-1B status (see dates on the I-797 approval notice).

Can I-94 date be extended?

Can Form I-94 Be Extended? Form I-94 can be extended when it's about to expire. Basically, whereas you can enter the U.S. until the date mentioned in your visa stamp, the duration of your stay is influenced by the date that was stamped in your passport when you entered the U.S. You will see that date in your Form I-94.

EAD Renewal - Auto Extension by I-94 Renewal / US Visa Stamping in Mexico for H4, L2, E3D visas

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Karolina Grabowska, Nataliya Vaitkevich, Porapak Apichodilok, visionart.av