Traveling Abroad

Documents for Travel

If you are making a trip outside the United States, to reenter the U.S., you will need the following:

1. valid passport
2. original Form I-797A (H1B 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. Please see section below on visa issuance and renewal for more information.)

Please note: If you have filed for adjustment of status and are planning to travel, please contact your immigration advisor 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 had an H-1B visa stamp in your passport, you must make an application 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 6 months into the future)
7. W-2 income tax form from the previous year (it is recommended that you be prepared to show this)
8. Form DS- 156 (available at Embassy/Consulate)
9. Form DS - 157 (Must be filled out by male applicants between the ages of 14-45)
10. Please contact the specific U.S. Consulate or Embassy where you plan to apply for other requirements, including photos and fees. Also, note that some Consulates and Embassies have recently changed to an appointment system. Please confirm application procedures prior to your trip. For more information on applying for a U.S. visa, visit these State Department sites on the Internet lsited below

Internet Links

• Links to U.S. Embassies and Consulates Worldwide
• How to Apply for a Visa at a Border Post (Third Country Nationals) - Note: Due to the increased security checks applied to third country national visa applications at US consulates in Mexico and Canada and recent changes in the regulations regarding entry from these countries, ISSS generally advises against traveling to these border states to apply for visas.

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 due to a change in regulations instituted on July 16, 2004.