International Scholars

International Travel for H-1B

Each time you travel outside of the U.S. you must have certain documents to re-enter the United States. Advanced planning and preparation can help prevent difficulties when traveling or applying for a visa.

Travel and Return to the U.S. with a Valid H-1B Visa

If you have a valid H-1B visa, you will need the following documents to re-enter the United States:

  1. Passport –  Passport must be valid at least 6 months into the future.
  2. H-1B Visa – The visa must be valid and unexpired on the date of your entry to the U.S.
  3. Original I-797 H-1B Approval Notice – This document is kept on file at the ISSS office. Contact ISSS at least one week before departure to “check out” your document for travel. You must return the document after your return.
  4.  Proof of current employment – This may be recent pay statements or a letter from your department confirming your continuing employment at PSU.

After Re-Entry:

  • Check the entry stamp in your passport. This may be on the page next to your H-1B visa. Verify that the date written or stamped is the same as your H-1B authorized end date or within 10 days after. If the date is any earlier, notify ISSS immediately.
  • Retrieve and print/save your I-94 at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home. Verify that the information on the I-94 is correct and that the “Admit until Date” is the same as your H-1B authorized end date or within 10 days after. If the date is any earlier, notify ISSS immediately.
  • Check entry stamps and I-94s for all H-4 dependents.
  • Make an appointment at ISSS to return the original I-797. Bring your passport, I-797 and I-94 (and dependent’s documents) with you to the appointment.

Applying for a new H-1B Visa

If you changed immigration status in the United States and do not have an H-1B visa, or if your H-1B visa has expired, you will need to apply for a new H-1B visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad before you can re-enter the United States. 

To apply for an H-1B visa you must have the following documents:

  1. Passport –  Passport must be valid at least 6 months into the future.
  2. Original I-797 H-1B Approval Notice – This document is kept on file at the ISSS office. Contact ISSS at least one week before departure to “check out” your document for travel. You must return the document after your return.
  3. Copy of I-797 including I-94 section at the bottom of page 1 – This copy was given to you by ISSS when your H-1B was approved.
  4. Copy of the complete I-129 petition for your H-1B – This should include the LCA as part of the petition. This copy was given to you by ISSS when your H-1B was approved.
  5. Proof of current employment – We recommend you have a letter from your department confirming your continuing employment at PSU AND copies of your two most recent pay statements.

You should also be prepared to present the following documents to the consulate if asked:

  • Copy of most recent CV/resume
  • List of recent academic publications, if not in CV
  • Separate copy of “Employer Letter of Support” from I-129 petition

Prepare your visa application:

  • Research the visa application requirements, forms and fees for your H-1B visa at https://travel.state.gov.
  • Find the US. Embassy or consulate where you plan to apply at https://www.usembassy.gov.
  • Follow all instructions at the embassy or consulate web site for visa applications and appointments.

Extra Considerations:

  • Make your visa interview appointment as early as possible. Some US Consulates have backlogs for visa interview appointments, especially during a holiday season (U.S. or local). 
  • If you intend to apply for an H-1B visa in a country other than your country of citizenship, we strongly recommend checking the U.S. Consulate’s website to verify that they will issue H-1B visas for Third Country Nationals. 
  • If you are in a research field that may be considered of U.S. national security interest, you may face serious delays while a background check is conducted. It is impossible to predict how long a background check might take (one week to 6 months), and it is not possible for any agency to intervene to expedite the background check. 

H-4 Dependents (Spouse and Children under 21)

Applying for an H-4 Visa:

  1. Passport – Passport must be valid at least six months into the future.
  2. All of the H-1B’s visa application documents.
  3. Marriage Certificate or Birth Certificate – The dependent must show a legal family relationship to the H-1B.

Travel to the U.S.:

  1. Passport – Passport must be valid at least six months into the future.
  2. ALL documents required for H-1B entry into the U.S.
  3. Marriage Certificate or Birth Certificate – The dependent must show a legal family relationship to the H-1B.
  4. If the H-4 changed status to H-4 in the U.S., then must also present the H-4 I-797 Approval Notice.

Travel to Canada and Mexico

In general, re-entering the United States from Canada and Mexico require the same documents and procedures as travel from any other country. However, under very specific and limited conditions, H-1Bs may travel to Canada or Mexico and re-enter with an expired H-1B visa under “automatic visa revalidation.” For more information about automatic visa revalidation, see H-1B Travel to Canada and Mexico.

Use extreme caution if traveling under this option, and consult an advisor at ISSS before making travel plans!