H1-B Visa

If you plan to travel outside the United States and return in H-1B status, you must carry the following documents: 

• Valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay)
• Original Form I-797A (H-1B Approval Notice for your current position)
• Employment verification letter from your employer confirming that you are currently employed in the H-1B position
• Valid H-1B visa stamp in your passport 
  • If you do not have a valid H-1B visa stamp, you must apply for one at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. See below for details on visa issuance and renewal. 

Important: If you have filed for adjustment of status and plan to travel, contact the International Students Office before making arrangements. You may need to travel with your H-1B documents or advance parole.

You must apply for an H-1B visa stamp at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad if: 

• You changed to H-1B status inside the U.S. and have never had an H-1B visa stamp
• Your previous H-1B visa stamp has expired. 

Required Documents for Visa Stamping: 

• Original Form I-797A (H-1B Approval Notice)
• Copy of Form ETA-9035 (Labor Condition Application – LCA)
• Employment verification letter from your department confirming your position and return to the U.S. 
• Original waiver of the two-year home residency requirement (if you were previously in J-1 status and received a waiver) 
• Valid passport (valid at least 6 months beyond your stay) 
• Form DS-160 (completed online and submitted to the Embassy/Consulate) 

*Each U.S. Consulate or Embassy may have additional requirements, such as specific photo guidelines, fees, or appointment systems. Always confirm the application process with the Consulate before traveling. 

If your H-1B visa stamp (or another U.S. non-immigrant visa such as B, F, or J) has expired, you may still re-enter the United States from Canada or Mexico through automatic visa revalidation, if all of the following conditions are met: 

• Your trip to Canada or Mexico is less than 30 days
• You have a current I-94 document showing valid H-1B status
• You do not apply for a visa while in Canada or Mexico 
• You are not a citizen of a country designated by the U.S. as a state sponsor of terrorism (as of 11/11/2002: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, North Korea, and Cuba) 

• Keep your I-94 card when departing the U.S. for Canada or Mexico. 
• Upon re-entry, present the following: 
  • Valid passport
  • Current I-94 card (showing valid H-1B status)
  • Original Form I-797 (H-1B Approval Notice for your current position) 
  • Employment verification letter confirming you are still employed in the H-1B position listed in your petition

H-4 spouses and minor children must also meet the passport and visa requirements listed above, show proof of family relationship for re-entry to the U.S., and carry Form I-797 (H-1B approval notice) if they are not traveling with the H-1B visa holder. 

* Please consult with a qualified immigration attorney before making any travel or visa-related decisions.