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H1B Visa 2015 Approved – When to get Visa Stamping ? When Enter USA ?

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As many of you know, USCIS received about 172,500 petitions for H1B 2015 quota and there was random selection by USCIS to select the lucky 85,000 petitions.  Those lucky ones, who did not receive any rejected packages or RFEs and have an approved H1B petition might be thinking about things like

  • Can I travel to US with the H1B Approval Notice ?
  • Can I get appointments for H1B Visa stamping ?
  • I am in USA, do I need to get H1B Stamping to work in USA ?
  • When should I get H1B Visa stamping ?
  • When can I enter USA on H1B visa after Visa Stamping ?
  • What are the precise restrictions from US Dept of State for entering USA ?

This article focuses on some of these common questions.

Can I travel to US with the H1B 2015 Approval Notice ?

No, you cannot travel to USA with just the approval notice. You need a valid H1B visa in your passport to enter USA.  You need to visit a US Consulate and get a valid H1B Visa stamped in your passport to enter USA.   Check  USA Visa vs Status.

I am in USA, do I still need to travel out and get H1B Visa stamping ?

If you are already in US and your H1B petition was applied with Change of Status ( COS), then you do not require visa stamping as you are already living there. Your I-797 approval notice would have a new I-94 attached to it with the new expiry date. You are allowed to stay in America until the valid date on the attached I-94.  Your status is automatically converted to H1B Visa status starting from October 1st.  If you plan to travel out and re-enter USA, then you will need a valid H1B Visa stamp in your passport, until then, there is no need.

 When can I get H1B Visa Stamped, if I have an approved H1B 2015 petition ?

If you were part of the H1B 2015 quota, your H1B Approval notice, which is I-797 form, would indicate a start date of October 1st, 2014. As per US Consular Guidance FAQs, you can apply for the visa stamping 90 days before the start date listed on your approval notice.  What it means is that, if you back track 90 days from October 1st, it would be July 3rd, 2014. You can only apply for US visa stamping on or after July 3rd, 2014. It is always good to start and plan early so that you do not end up into last minute complications. Talk to your employer and get all the required documents and book an appointment for July 3rd or later, if you intend to start working from October 1st.

 How soon can I enter USA after H1B Visa stamping ?  When ?

Having a valid H1B visa does not permit to travel to America anytime. You need to wait !  You can only enter USA 10 days before your start date listed on your H1B Approval notice, which is I-797 form.  So, you can enter USA on or after September 21st, 2014.

What should you plan to enter USA ?

If you are traveling to America for the first time, it is quite a bit of change for you.  Plan everything ahead of time.  There are quite a few things that you can do in your home country to make your life easier. It can range from health checkups, list of things to carry, booking ticket, etc. Read this article  Things to do in Home Country before leaving to USA on H1B Visa.

Did I miss anything ?  Any other questions ?

Photo of author
Satheesh Kumar Ilu, commonly known as Kumar, is the founder of RedBus2US.com. He is an Immigration and Study Abroad expert. He holds an MS from the University of Houston–Clear Lake and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He studied, lived, and worked in the U.S. and Singapore for nearly two decades, and has traveled to over 25 countries.

   

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121 Comments

  1. Registered Mail Postal from Paranaque to Davao City May 17,2015 #10 block d-6 lot 4 SIR New Matina Davao City 8021 philippine passport from Washington DC..and thanks for the approved Working visa March 9,2016 confirmed March 17,2016 travel again for the Registered Postal Mail so that immigration May 17,2016…again for the travel that is for the July there in Georgia,Atlanta..so that I am in USA already..thanks for following in my stories…

    Reply

  3. Thanks my petition has been approved May 17,2016 my type of delivery is through Postal Mail Registered mail this month as says March 17,2016 departure georgia ,atlanta and arrival in my delivery address-philippines
    custom border protection (Georgia,Atlanta)

    Reply

  8. Hi ,

    I have an approved H1B with 2015 quota. My employer is asking me to go for stamping but I am not ready to travel to USA immediately. based on this I have couple of questions.

    1. Can you postpone the stamping by 6 months , will it cause a problem on my visa interview?
    2. Can you do the stamping now ? and still travel after say 6 months ? Will I find any probe at the port of entry?

    Thank you very much

    Reply

    • Joe,

      You can do either and both are fine. However, personally I would prefer to get it stamped now and then delay the travel, if needed. Reason being that stamping may run into issues like 221g. If you go for stamping after 6 months and it gets delayed then your travel will get further delayed. If you get it stamped now and it gets delayed, there is a good chance that you will have the visa 6 months from now when you are ready to travel.

      Reply

  9. I got my H1B approved in DEC 2015.

    Applied in April 2015
    RFE in JULY 2015
    Responded in NOV 2015
    Approved in DEC 2015

    So now job only next year 🙂

    Reply

  10. Hi All,
    My bro and family went to USA as he got the H1B visa recently. In the passport : The Expiry date mentioned is 1 Dec 2015. I argued with him that he need to go for Visa renewal, but he says that he got the 5 yrs renewal from his company on papers attested and Stamped.

    Could someone be specific whether or not He and his family visit the Embassy or Visa Office or consulate for the Renewal before Dec 1 2015?

    Advice can over rule a foolish thought.

    Regards,
    Raja.

    Reply

    • Raja,
      What matters is the expiration date on the H-1B visa stamp in the passport. If that date is Dec 1, 2015, then he can use that visa stamp only until that date. There is no separate document that can be used in lieu to enter US. Once inside US, he doesn’t need to worry about the expiration date, as long as he is inside US. Next time he leaves US, he will have to go for stamping in order to return to US on H-1B.

      Reply

  11. Please help!

    My visa officer kept my original approval notice while approving my H1B visa. Is this normal? Would I not need the original approval notice again??

    Reply

  12. My H1B visa has been approved. I’m In the USA with a J1 trainee Visa that will expire in August 10th 2015.
    I know that i need to start working in October 1th, but Can I remain in the USA legally until October 1th? Also do I need to go back to my home country to get my visa stamped?

    Thanks,

    Reply

  14. I have H1B approved petition I797 which was expired on 2008 and it was not stamped which was applied by the external consultancy. I went for stamping on 2006 and Chennai embassy asked few more details about the consultancy. Again I did not go for stamping and have checked my case number in USCIS and the status is shown like “On April 17, 2007, the department of state sent us your case, Receipt Number EAC0515653874 for review. We are reviewing it, and will notify you by mail when we are done”, So am I eligible to apply on CAP exempt? Now I am working for another company.

    Reply

  15. Hello there,
    My H1B petition has been approved by USCIS on May 17, 2015. Validity is for 36 months.
    I need to know if in case I got my visa stamp after the month of October 2015.
    For example, If my visa get stamp at December 2015. So do my 2 months (October and November) got wasted out of 36 months?
    or if the Visa validity (36 months in my case) counts only after the date of my visa stamp?
    Please advise.

    Regards,
    Dave

    Reply

  17. Do we need original I-797A notice for H1B stamping or will the copy suffice ? My employer is just giving me the I-94 attached at the bottom.

    Reply

    • Original copy is a must for visa stamping and your employer has no business keeping your approved I-797A. just I-94 does not suffice anything and infact it is void as soon as you leave US.

      Reply

  19. Hi all.
    just because i am curious i checked a case number that is after mine, they say his is approved, and mine is still showing that it is only received. Does that mean mine is not approved? because i heard that they check it by number order.

    Reply

  20. hi i got my h1b approved in may and currently im on opt it experies in october can i go for stamping in july or august is it possible to get stamped and come back on my opt status

    Reply

    • There is typically 30-60 before Oct 1st consulate allow H1B stamping and it is always good idea to get h1b stamped but you can enter only on and after Sep 21st. So plan accordingly, if you have I-20 valid per OPT extension you can leave and come back on that too.

      Reply

  21. I have B1/B2 Visa and earlier planned to travel to US as tourist for 2 months in August and September. This year, I have been through H1B lottery and my petition will be started soon by employer. They said, it might get STAMPED before August. So is it fine if i travel on B1/B2 in month of August, and stay for 2 months (not doing any job) on B1/B2 and can start working onto H1B from 1st October? or am i supposed to travel outside US and re-enter?

    Reply

    • Please be aware that the border security may reject your entry as your H1B is in process and they may suspect that you are in US to work and then later continue working on H1B. By law, B1/B2 does not mandate you to work in the US. Also, it may have impact on your Visa interview so make an informed decision. I am surprised your employer’s attorney did not mention this to you.

      Reply

  22. I have applied for H1B 2016.
    Can I travel on B1 Visa to USA between Jun/July2015 while waiting for H1 approval? will the B1 travel cause any issues on H1 visa stamping.

    Reply

  23. Hi,

    I have an approved H1B petition and I yet to go for stamping. I want to know if there is any dead line to go for stamping and travel to US.

    Thanks.

    Reply

  24. Hi Guys -Any one who is looking for H1B VISA can use the application “USA H1B Work VISA” on play store. It’s a great application to send your resume to lots of US and India based companies. Thanks.

    Reply

  25. Hi All,

    My company is planning to apply LCA from chicago to massachusetts. I wanna know what will be the process time.

    Thanks in advance.

    Reply

  26. Would really appreciate your response and suggestions. I have valid Stamping from Employer A and same is valid till January 20th, 2015. But I am now with Employer B and have a I-797 valid till July, 2016. I am travelling outside of USA in November and coming back on December 16th 2014 and not planning to go for stamping. Since I just have 1 month between the Visa Stamping expires(Jan 20th) and Travel to US (16th Dec), do you think there might be any issue even if I carry all the documents(Pay Stubs, EVL etc)?

    Thanks again for helping folks like me.

    Reply

  27. H1B (regular) got Approved. on 31/10/2014 vermont service center. Thanks to redbus2us.com for all information & guidelines. Good Luck to all.

    Reply

  28. Hi,

    I received RFE and submitted all required documents on 1st Aug 2014. Still I have got no updates.

    Can any one tell me what might be happening or how much time it takes??

    Thanks,
    Abhishek

    Reply

  29. Can anyone please help me find the exact website where the US specifies that travel can be on the 21st of September on h1b status? I had an airline refuse to board me when departing on 21st September and I am trying to find exact proof that clearly shows that entry into US is allowed on the 21st of September. Thanks.

    Reply

  30. I have entered wrong data while file DS160 form.. my petition salary and DS 160 form salary field does not match..Will it be a problem in the interview..If consular officers ask my US salary what should I tell?? petition or DS160 salary??

    Reply

  31. Dear All,
    I have got a question regarding the time that we can take to board a flight after the H1B stamping. Well let me put it straight, if i get my h1b stamped by 1st or 2nd week of september 2014 from New Zealand. Can I travel to USA in the month of march 2015 is that alright to go if my employer agrees to that. Mean while can i work in any NZ company ?

    Regards,
    Bharadwaj

    Reply

  32. Hi,
    My H1 got approved. I applied it when i am in india , currently i am residing in UK.

    Can i go to US consulate for interview in UK? or it has to be from india only?
    My employer has a branch office in uk also.

    Thanks in advance

    Reply

  33. Hi,
    I got my H1B approved. I am planning to apply for jobs here from india and my consultant is ok with me doing that. Can someone point on how it can be done? Or should I go to visa first and then go to us and apply ?

    thanks,
    prasad

    Reply

  34. Hi,
    I have h1 approved document but still not visa stamped. I have valid visit visaand would like to travel and start looking for job, once get job I will continue to work and get back to home country for stamping later. Is this option possible to follow.

    Reply

  35. Hi,

    My H1B visa is stamped and ready to travel. I can travel any time on or after Sep21. But Can i start working immediately after i reach US i.e, before Oct1 only?
    Please provide inputs. Thanks!

    Reply

  36. Got my visa stamping here in Manila. The interview lasted only 5 minutes. My advice, be confident but not too cocky. Always smile, be truthful and know the details of your application. Good luck to all.

    Reply

  37. Dear All,

    Still my Application showing initial review.Lot of applicants getting approval…
    anybody have idea?
    Thanks

    Reply

  38. I’m currently on H4 and my H1B was approved in June.

    Can I apply for SSN now or I have to wait until Oct. 1st ? Appreciate your inputs.

    Reply

  39. Hi,

    i received my h1b approved last week for 2 yrs. i travelled before to US twice for short term. But i noticed that one of my prior travel dates are missed in H1 I-129 filing by employer. Would this cause any issue in Visa stamping interview? . will Visa officer ask any question related to missed travel dates during interview?. can someone please advise.

    Thanks
    Ram

    Reply

  40. Hi Got my H1B visa tamped on 16th July but there is a Annotation on the Visa: NOT VALID FOR TRAVEL UNTIL 21SEP2014.

    What does it means & Why the note was added ?? Any thoughts ??

    Thanks,

    Reply

      • As work permit start date is Oct 1st for H1b 2015 quota, u can travel max 10 days prior to the Oct 1st, which is Sep 21st.

        Reply

    • Please share your visa Experience, paralelly all H1 2015 can start only to work from Oct 2015…So 10 days prior grace period thats it…

      Reply

    • As work permit start date is Oct 1st for H1b 2015 quota, u can travel max 10 days prior to the Oct 1st, which is Sep 21st.

      Reply

  41. Hi all,

    I am supposed to travel out of US (India) during December/14 as I recently got approved h1b and I will fall into COS (change of status) from OPT to H1 and my OPT expires on OCT31.2014. So would that be good enough of time to travel out of US during month of Dec and get stamped in India? your answers were greatly appreciated.

    Thank you!

    Reply

    • Guess your I-90 Says when to Exit, Your H1 Petettion approved from USCIS but doesnt permit you to say……..Seriously you need to check with lawyer/attorny accordingly….Bec you dont have a status FROM NOV1 Rigjt?

      Reply

  42. Hi i got my h1 approved r8 now in h4 can i travel to india and come back in september 1st week will der b any problem with my h1. Can any one suggest

    Reply

  43. HI all,
    My application got approval. I have asked my employer regarding visa scheduling. He said waiting for hard copy.
    1. I have only 2.9 yrs experience. is it any problem for visa stamping?
    2.I have issued my passport in Hyderabad, but i am working in Kolkata. Where can i go for visa stamping(Kolkata or Hyderabd)?

    Reply

    • Good news for you, its not like F1 you need to apply in same state, ITS H1 so you can apply any consulate through out the india, You can google this option.
      Any where in India you can attend, if you still have doubts write a email to them and get confirmation from them and keep a print of it

      Reply

  44. Hello,

    I got my approval email by May 30th 2014 from my employer.(They have fwd’d the USCIS email – PP) But still they have not received my approval hard copy from the USCIS. is this the case for anyone else?. Please clarify.

    At the USCIS case status, it is still at “Decision” where it says my case is approved.

    Thanks
    Arun.

    Reply

  45. Hello.

    My H-1 has been approved for the fiscal year 2015. I am currently residing in the US. One problem, I was on CPT before the approval and have worked more than what I was supposed to. Would this be a problem in my interview when I apply for visa stamping back home? I am a Muslim and I am from Pakistan. I mentioned that because you all know that we don’t go along well.

    Thanks and Regards.

    Reply

    • As far as my knowledge H1b is a future employment source. If you’ really made a mistake of working more hours in CPT than allocated you should get an RFE during h1 approval but if not, you’ve not misused your CPT. only thing you may not have OPT if you completely on 12 months CPT. But may know your on cap-gap period. And yes you can go for H1 stamping to your home country interviewer may ask about job title, duties, when joined how did you find job like those.

      “We’re all Humans First” – good luck!

      Reply

  46. Visa approved :
    Him : (not even looking at me)
    Me : …
    Him : So you have a Master in xxx, and you are going to work for xxx ?
    Me : Yes
    Him : Ok , you ll receive your visa in a few days.
    It lasted 15 seconds.

    Reply

  48. I was lucky enough to get my petition selected in lottery and approval.I am based out of India and I have never been to US.As of now I am contemplating job change in India.From my current employer I have Receipt notice and Approval notice documents.In case I change my job now, will it impact my H1 petition approval? Will it get revoked and the new company will not be able to file a new petition as cap exempt?

    Reply

  50. Hi,

    I got my H-1 B approved last year (2013) from a H-4. I have been working from October and due to changes in my team, have been promoted to lead. I still have not got my H-1 B stamping. Is there any paper work I should submit?

    Thanks!!

    Reply

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