回复：H4 to H1, need to go out US or not?

If you had no violation to your nonimmigrant status, even though you applied AP/EAD, regardless usage of AP, you don't need to activate your status at POE when COS/EOS H-1b/H-4.

You are likely to receive I-797B for visa applying at consulate if 1) your current H-1B/H-4 expired, or 2) you used EAD for employment which is aware by USCIS

http://blog.wenxuecity.com/blogview.php?date=200803&postID=331

http://blog.wenxuecity.com/blogview.php?date=200802&postID=7147