Exempt from the H-1B Quota
I got my H-1B petition approved last year, it got extended as well. I have never used any of these visas to work in the U.S. though I have travelled few times to U.S. but on B-1 visa for meetings with the customers. So the question is when do I become exempt from the H-1 quota?
In your situation when you are outside the USA, you become exempt from the H-1 quota when you get your visa stamped. So I think USCIS interpretation of law is faulty and incorrect, because in my view as soon as H-1 is approved you should be exempt from the quota but USCIS has taken the position that unless you get the visa stamped from the consulate we will not consider you exempt if you are outside the USA. So it appears to me that you should be exempt from the quota.
I have found Rajiv Khanna to be very forthcoming always. He has helped me numerous times on immigration issues and questions that we have had in the past. Unlike some other attonerys Rajiv takes the time to explain each issue. I would strongly recommend to use the services of the law offices of Rajiv Khanna to all.