Dear All,



I am permanent resident of Canada. I will be starting my residency in the US on July 1st, 2006 on H1B visa. I need help clearing my doubts on how early I am allowed to have my visa stamped at the consulate office. I have already got my petition approved and I have all the needed documents at hand from my lawyer. My question is about when to schedule my appointment for visa stamping for. I know they won't let me in to the US untill after 10 days prior to my employement start date (validity start date on I 797) which is on July 1st. Does that mean my appointment for visa stamping at the Consulate office should also be on or later than June 21st( 10 days prior to July 1st) OR can I have my visa stamped at an earlier date (say, for example, May 25) but only enter the US on or after June 21st??

In other words, what does the "ten days before validity start date" rule refer to?? Does it refer for entering the US OR for having the visa stamped at the consulate office OR for both???? Do I have to wait until June 21st or later (10 days before your validity date on I 797) for just stamping my visa OR Can I have it stamped on my passport on a date earlier than June 21st only to enter the US on or later than June 21??? Is the "10 days limit" for entering the US OR for stamping the visa on the passport??

Thank you very much in antecepation of your fast reply!!