Can You Travel On H1b Visa?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Traveling during your H-1B status.

You can travel abroad during your H-1B status

. Your trip may be personal (to visit relatives, for example) or professional (to attend a conference or work with colleagues overseas).

Can you stay outside US on H-1B?

Simple answer is:

Yes, H1-B holders can work remotely from a different location

, including another country like India.

How long can I stay outside of the US on an H-1B visa?

The initial maximum period of validity is

three years

(sometimes less), and that is not changed or extended by any time spent outside the US. The clock keeps ticking on the three-year period even while you are abroad.

Which countries can you travel on H-1B?

  • Belize. As of 2018 holders of valid US visas can enter Belize visa-free. …
  • Georgia. Tbilisi, Georgia. …
  • Qatar. Skyline of Doha, Qatar. …
  • Turkey. Holy Grand Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. …
  • The Dominican Republic. …
  • Island of Turks and Caicos. …
  • Bermuda. …
  • Panama.

What is 240 day rule H1B?

The 240-day rule allows an H1B visa worker to stay and work in the USA for up to 240 days or USCIS takes a decision (whichever is earlier) while the H1B extension is pending with USCIS after i94 expiry.

How long does it take to get green card from H1B?

Be prepared to spend anywhere between

6 months to 2 years

transitioning from an H1B to a green card. The PERM Certificate takes 6 to 18 months. Your I-140 approval depends upon your priority date and your country of origin.

Can I work from home on H1B?


You can work from home if your H1B petition has your home address listed as the ‘work location’ permanently

. If your current approved H1B does not list your home address, then you need to file an H1B Amendment to get USCIS permission to work from home.

Can I go to Canada on H-1B?

You are required to have a valid H-1B visa in your passport to return to the U.S. from all countries except for brief trips (less than 30 days) to Canada & Mexico (see below).

How many times can an H1B be renewed?

As long as you remain eligible, you may extend your H1B status

unlimited times

until green card approval/denial.

How can H1B stay in US after 6 years?

In order for an H-1B non-immigrant to receive an extension of stay beyond the maximum 6-year limit,

a petitioner must file a Form I-129 on behalf of the non-immigrant beneficiary

. The petitioner may be either the beneficiary’s current employer or a new employer. Usual rules and fees of filing an H-1B petitions apply.

Can H1B be extended beyond 6 years?

H1B status can be extended in three year increments, indefinitely, past the sixth year if the foreign national has an approved I-140 and the foreign national is unable to file for Adjustment of Status or apply for an immigrant visa because an immigrant visa number is unavailable, in other words, the priority date is …

Can H1B marry U.S. citizen?


H-1B holders married to a U.S. citizen may file the family sponsorship form and the green card application at the same time

. This process is known as “concurrent filing,” and it helps reduce how long it takes to go from H-1B to green card.

What is the fastest way to get a US green card?

If you’re a close relative to a U.S. citizen or a green card holder, they can

petition for you to obtain legal permanent residency

. This option is the fastest and most popular path to getting a green card. U.S. citizens are permitted to petition for immediate relatives, including: Spouses.

How much does H1B visa cost?

Fee Amount Responsible for Fee
Basic Filing Fee


$460

Employer
USCIS Anti-Fraud Fee $500 Employer ACWIA Education and Training Fee $750 (less than 25 employees) $1,500 (more than 25 employees) Employer Attorney Fee Variable Employer

Can I drive Uber on H1B?


No, H1B visa holders cannot become Uber drivers

because of the employment restrictions on H1B visas. While H1B visa holders can meet all of Uber’s requirements (like having a certain type of car, a license, and a SSN), driving for Uber would violate the terms of their H1B visa.

How many days I can work from India on H1B?

If you are stuck in India, Canada, or Mexico due to US visa form 221g delays, you can work remotely for a short term

up to 5 months

.

How many days can we stay in India on H1B visa?

For a period of

60 days

(i.e, 2 months) generally termed as grace period, holding a valid I-94. This period exempts you from getting acquired a invalid-status , during this 60 days period you can get New employer/transfer or get ‘change of status’ done.

Can I go to Mexico for H-1B stamping?


Visa renewal visa stamp can be obtained in Mexico as well as Canada

. Many people visit Canada and Mexico for H1B renewal stamping including the H1B Amendment, Transfer, or extensions instead of visiting their home country.

Can I travel to India after H-1B approval?


You can travel to India while H1B extension is in progress and visa is still valid for re-entry

. You will have to get the hard copy of your approved H1B’s i797 and apply for an H1B visa at the US embassy before you can enter the USA with NEWLY approved H1B extended petition.

Rachel Ostrander
Author
Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.