Hi Guys,

My petition was filed at vermont on the 24th of may, 06. It got approved today (5th sept.), i rec'd an email few hours back. I live in Nepal and was interviewed by the company over the phone (4 rounds). I did my 3 year bachelor in IT from India and have more than 2 years of full time working experience. What would be my next process now? Could you guys throw some light on this?

futball

bluebus,

OMG! If its May25th, then in my opinion its hard to get within this month. I ain't sure that whether you can overstay after the grace period or not, but I have heard about this matter that it's possible. But hey, I would wait till next week, and go for premium, instead of taking all these risks. At least you will be mentally worry-free instead of cramming until the last moment. Go for premium if it doesn't come by Sep 29.

Futball,

Since your case was filed as "Counselor Processing" the USCIS will send a copy of the approval notice to the consulate in Nepal. In the mean time they will also send the approval notice (I-797 document) to your employer who will then send the following to you so that you can go and apply for your H-1B visa.

Invitation Letter
I-797 (Approval notice)
ETA-9035 (Labor certification)
I-129 (Forms)

Then you will need to prepare the following for visa interview:

•Visa Application Form DS-156 (males complete DS-157)
Go To: http://kathmandu.usembassy.gov/
•Passport
•A recent photograph, with signature on the back
Go To: http://travel.state.gov/pdf/Photo%20Guide%2010-01-04.pdf
•Original degrees
•Original I-797 Approval Notice....you will receive from your company
•Copy of the H-1B petition (Form I-129)...you will receive from your company
•Copy of the certified Labor Condition Application (LCA)...you will receive from your co.
•An original, current letter from your company confirming your offer of employment

If you have a spouse/dependent then they can also apply for an H-4 visa.
Hope your questions are answered! Good Luck and welcome to the USA!