Things are getting confusing between the information from the local INS office, the immigration officer at the airport, and some postings on the web:
My E-1 work visa expires 3/20/06 (and will not be extended)
My passport is valid until 6/1/07
My I-94 card is valid until 6/1/07.
a) until what day can I legally work?
b) how long do I have until I physically have to leave the U.S (I was planning on travelling around before moving home).
Answer from the local INS office:
a) Last work day is 3/20/06.
b) I have 30 days to pack my stuff and leave. The date on the I-94 card has no effect on my work visa validation. I will not automatically be on a "Tourist" visa" from 3/20/06 to 6/1/07 just because the I-94 is valid for that long. I would have to leave and re-enter as a tourist if I want to travel around.
The I-94 date is only relevant if my work visa would get extended. In that case I would not have to leave the country and re-enter.
Recend information from the INS officer at the PDX Airport:
a+b) My work visa is valid as long as my passport is valid (6/1/07) - regardless of the E-1 visa expiration date and thus he validated my I-94 also until 6/1/07. (that would mean I could work and live here until next year).
I don't want to run the risk to work or stay illigally in the U.S. and get in trouble on the next re-entry due to different interpretations. Is there a written statement that clearly defines the rules?
Beate
My E-1 work visa expires 3/20/06 (and will not be extended)
My passport is valid until 6/1/07
My I-94 card is valid until 6/1/07.
a) until what day can I legally work?
b) how long do I have until I physically have to leave the U.S (I was planning on travelling around before moving home).
Answer from the local INS office:
a) Last work day is 3/20/06.
b) I have 30 days to pack my stuff and leave. The date on the I-94 card has no effect on my work visa validation. I will not automatically be on a "Tourist" visa" from 3/20/06 to 6/1/07 just because the I-94 is valid for that long. I would have to leave and re-enter as a tourist if I want to travel around.
The I-94 date is only relevant if my work visa would get extended. In that case I would not have to leave the country and re-enter.
Recend information from the INS officer at the PDX Airport:
a+b) My work visa is valid as long as my passport is valid (6/1/07) - regardless of the E-1 visa expiration date and thus he validated my I-94 also until 6/1/07. (that would mean I could work and live here until next year).
I don't want to run the risk to work or stay illigally in the U.S. and get in trouble on the next re-entry due to different interpretations. Is there a written statement that clearly defines the rules?
Beate