An intake valve control apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes a first variable valve operating mechanism (5) capable of varying an operation angle of an intake valve (3) continuously, a second variable valve operating mechanism (6) capable of varying a maximum lift phase of the intake valve (3) continuously, and a controller (10) that controls an intake air amount mainly by varying the operation angle and the maximum lift phase of the intake valve. The controller is configured to, when one of the first and second variable valve operating mechanisms (5, 6) is at a phase position different from a predetermined start stage phase position at engine start, correct a phase position of the other of the first and second variable valve operating mechanisms (5, 6) in accordance with a present phase position of the one of the first and second variable valve operating mechanisms (5, 6). An intake valve control method is also provided.