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In some cases, travel outside the U.S. can invalidate a H-1B petition and have serious consequences.

  • If your H-1B status will expire soon, please email [email protected]  before departing the U.S.
  • If you are working with an H-1B advisor on a change of status to H-1B, an extension of H-1B status or an application to amend your H-1B status, you must review your planned travel with a H-1B advisor before you depart the U.S.
  • If you do not have a H-1B case in progress and have time sensitive or general travel questions, email [email protected]

When you travel outside of the U.S., you should have the following with you:

  • Form I-797 / H-1B approval notice
  • Valid passport
  • A copy of the H-1B petition/Form I-129 as it was submitted to USCIS
  • Three most recent paystubs
  • You can also request a letter from OIS. It is not necessary to carry this letter, but OIS will provide one as a courtesy

    To request a Travel Letter:
    • Go to iHopkins Self-Service Portal: http://ihopkins.jhu.edu/
    • Use iHopkins login option #1: ACTIVE JHED LOGIN. Enter your JHED ID (network/login ID) and password
    • Click “University Employment” from left side menu
    • Click “Travel Letter Request” to open the eForm
    • Complete and submit the eForm

You are required to have a valid H-1B visa stamp in your passport to return to the U.S. from all countries except (in some circumstances) for brief trips (less than 30 days) to Canada & Mexico (see below). (Note: Canadian citizens never require a U.S. visa stamp). Before applying for the H-1B visa stamp at a U.S. Consulate/Embassy abroad, please review the U.S. Consulate/Embassy website where you will apply for the visa to ensure you have the necessary documents to apply for the visa. Document requirements for visas can vary by country and applicant.

Travel to Canada & Mexico: In limited circumstances, a H-1B visa stamp may not be required following a trip to Canada or Mexico. For detailed information about automatic visa revalidation, please refer to the information provided on Department of State’s website

Important Steps to take when you Return to the U.S. from Travel Abroad:

  1. Retrieve and print your I-94. Remember to carry your I-94 at all times in the U.S. as required by immigration law. To access your I-94 record you will need your passport. Go to  https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/home
  2. Verify that the following information on the I-94 printout is correct
    • Your name should appear as it is stated in your passport
    • The appropriate visa classification (H-1B)
    • The end date on the I-94 should match the H-1B approval notice (Form I-797) or be extended for 10 additional days beyond the end date of the H-1B approval notice
    • If your I-94 is shortened due to your passport expiring prior to the I-797, your status will end on the date marked on the I-94 record rather than the H-1B approval notice
  3. Contact the OIS if you notice an error or data inconsistency, or if the end date on the I-94 does not match your H-1B approval notice (or the H1B approval end date + 10 days)
  4. Upon return from travel, document your time abroad on the Recapture Worksheet. The worksheet will make extensions beyond six years less cumbersome, and help ensure all available H-1B time can be requested from USCIS