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Home / Come to MU / Faculty, staff and scholars / H-1B scholars / Traveling abroad

Traveling abroad

H-1B

Travel documents

If you travel outside the United States, you will need the following documents to re-enter the U.S.:

  1. Valid passport.
  2. Original Form I-797A (H-1B approval notice for your current position).
  3. Letter from your employer confirming current employment in the position described in the H-1B petition (sample letter) and a recent pay slip.
  4. Valid H-1B visa stamp in your passport. (If you do not have a valid H-1B visa stamp in your passport, you must apply for one at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.)

Note: If you have filed for adjustment of status and plan to travel, please contact your immigration adviser to discuss traveling with your H-1B documentation or advance parole.

Obtaining the initial H-1B stamp

If you have changed your nonimmigrant status while in the United States and have never obtained an H-1B visa stamp in your passport, you must make an appointment with a U.S. embassy or consulate the first time you depart the U.S. to obtain an H-1B visa for re-entry. You will need to present the following documentation:

  1. Original Form I-797A (H-lB approval notice for your current position).
  2. Copy of Form ETA-9035 Labor Conditions Application (LCA, on the CD that has a copy of your H-1B petition).
  3. Copy of Form 1-129 (petition for H1B submitted to USCIS on your behalf, on the CD that has a copy of your H-1B petition).
  4. Letter from your department confirming employment and that you are expected to return to the U.S. to resume the terms of your contract (sample letter); and a recent pay slip
  5. Original waiver of the two-year home residency requirement (if you were previously in J- 1 visa status and received a waiver).
  6. Valid passport (valid for at least six months beyond the date of application).
  7. W-2 income tax form from the previous year.
  8. Form DS-156 (available at embassy/consulate).
  9. Form DS-157 (must be filled out by male applicants ages 14-45).
  10. Please contact the specific U.S. embassy or consulate where you plan to apply for other requirements, including photos and fees. Please confirm application procedures prior to your trip.

Visa revalidation

If you have an H-1B visa stamp and it has expired, you may obtain a new visa only in person at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. H-1B visa revalidation by mail is no longer possible.