Travel Updates
Before you leave U.S., if you will be required to apply for a visa in your passport, please check with the U.S. Consulate/Embassy to make sure you will be able to schedule a visa interview appointment and if a visa can possibly be issued to you to be able to return to U.S.
Before you leave U.S., please consult with an immigration attorney to make sure you will not have issues to re-enter the U.S.
Required Documents
To re-enter the U.S. in H-1B status and resume employment, you must have the following documents with you:
- Passport must be valid for at least six months into the future.
- I-797 H-1B approval notice
- Unexpired H-1B visa in the Passport (generally not required for Canadian citizens)
- Upon entry into U.S., check your I-94 Document for accuracy, and provide a copy of the most recent I-94 to the International Center.
It’s recommended to carry the following documents:
- Copy of your most recent form I-129 for UCI
- Copy of your most recent Labor Condition Application (LCA) for UCI
- Updated Employment Verification Letter verifying current employment from your department (confirming continued employment, job title, annual salary, and dates of employment as listed on your I-797 H-1B approval notice)
- 3-4 recent pay statements
- Original or Certified Educational Documents and English Translations (if documents are not in English)
- Most recent CV and Publications
- J-1 waiver and/or 212(e) related documents (if applicable)
Canadian Citizens
Generally Canadian citizens are not required to apply for a visa in the Passport to enter the U.S. as an H-1B.
If Your Visa in the Passport Has Expired Or Need a New Visa in the Passport
Obtain an H-1B visa in the Passport at U.S. Consulate/Embassy before returning to the U.S. Present the above-mentioned travel documents to the consulate/embassy.
Additional information on the visa application process can be found online https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/employment/temporary-worker-visas.html and http://www.usembassy.gov.
Plan for Additional Wait Times
If you have to get a new visa while you are abroad, the process can take six weeks or more because of security clearances. When you make travel arrangements, you and your department should plan for the possibility of these wait times. Please see Administrative Processing Information.
If You Have a Valid H-1B Visa in your Passport Issued with a Prior Employer’s Name
The visa remains valid until the date of its expiration. H-1B employees who change employers in the U.S. may use the previously issued H-1B visa to apply for admission to the U.S. Employees must carry all the other travel-related documents to re-enter the country successfully.