Travel and Re-entry in H-1B

H-1B scholars travel out of U.S. with no H-1 visa stamp or expired H-1 visa stamp: The scholars will need to apply for H-1B visa stamp at a US Consulate abroad. Instructions on what to bring vary from consulate to consulate but the scholar should be prepared to bring the documentation listed in the link: Checklist: Application for H-1B Visa Stamp.
General travel information may be found at link: Travel Information for H-1B Scholars.
Scholars are encouraged to visit ISSO well in advance of making travel plans. ISSO will provide assistance and help answer questions.

What Scholars should do when traveling outside the U.S.:
• Check expiration of his/her visa stamp. If the visa stamp has expired, it may be necessary to apply for a new visa stamp at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Scholars will need to be mindful of this while planning his/her travel.
• Check the visa stamp for consistency with current status. If scholar has changed status since entering the U.S., it will be necessary to apply for an updated visa reflecting current status with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate before returning to the U.S.
• Check the passport to make sure it is valid for at least 6 months beyond the H-1B status end date.

ISSO recommends that H-1B scholars carry the following when traveling and applying for a new visa stamp:
• Copy of Form I-129 from ISSO
• Copy of ETA 9035 from ISSO
• Department letter verifying current UCSF employment
• Copy of recent paystub(s)