October 2001 - H1B News
Travel Tips for H1B holders

According to news releases from various consulates, there is NO change in the policy or refusal of any kind of VISA , due to Sep 11th attack. Ofcourse, more checking and additional verification of employer/employee information is being done at all the levels.

Tips for H1B holders who are travelling abroad

If you have valid visa and travelling outside USA, while coming back, please keep the following documents with you for additional support.

1. H1B approval notice of the current employer.



2. Letter of employment/vacation approval letter from your current employer



3. Recent pay stubs



4. Last year Tax return filing copies (if any)



5. Contact details and address of your current employer (Make sure that you can reach them any time, if needed)

H1B holders with OLD VISA stamping and New H1B approval

If you have entered into USA with an H1B visa and transferred your job, when you are travelling to your home country, it is advisable to get the stamping at your home country consulate, for the new employer based on your new H1B approval notice. Still you can enter into US with your valid OLD visa and new H1B approval. But it is easy to get the revalidation in your home country without any problem, if you were already in US.

Advantages - Next time revalidation in US will be easy. Your I-94 and VISA expiration dates will be the same. Your dependants can also get the VISA based on the new VISA approval dates.

Status change cases - F1 to H1 / H4 to H1 / or any status change

If you have filed for any status change while you are in US, it is NOT advisable to go outside the country until your application with INS is completed. In case you travel outside, then you should wait until the final decision of your application with INS. Your status will be based on your re-entry status. If you enter on H1B, then your status will be H1B. If you enter on H4/F1, then your status will be H4/F1. To change the status, again you have to apply in INS the new petition.

If your status change application was approved and if you are travelling abroad, you must get the stamping for the new status. You need not to and cannot revalidate your VISA in US for status change. Also, it is NOT advisable to try for stamping other then your home country. Many cases are NOT rejected in the near by countries (Mexico/Canada), Still few cases are NOT accepted, because they are unable to verify your educational certificates or other documents.