[akshat_h]

Does an approved H1-B extension necessarily extends the i-94 date?

If not, is the only alternative to leave the country, get a new visa stamp(which is not possible till Dec 31, AFAIK) and reenter the country?

[proberts]

If it is filed with a request for extension of status and not consular notification, then yes. The approval notice will indicate which and have an I-94 attached at the bottom if an extension. If it's filed with a request for consular notification, then you will need to leave the US and get a new H-1B visa and then reenter to activate it. I assume that when you say extension, you mean with the same employer?

[akshat_h]

Thanks!

Yes it is for the same employer. It will be with extension of status, and not consular notification, AFAIK, so that clears up my situation.

[rjammala]

AFAIK it does extend the i-94 but you still need a visa stamp to reenter the US