H1B Question - entering into US without a valid visa but with a approved I-797

S

sushil27

Registered Users (C)
Hi:

Can I enter into US (PoE) without a valid visa stamping on my passport (old one expired in Sept 2002) but with a approved I-797. It's taking a long time to get stamping in Chennai ?

Please advice, Will I be allowed to board the flight:

1. from India
2. from Transit (Amsterdam)
3. into US at PoE

Any experiences ??

Thanks,
 
No, you will need a valid visa to even board a flight from India or in transit. You will not be admitted at POE without a visa.
The approval notice I-797 says clearly "THIS IS NOT A VISA AND CANNOT BE USED IN PLACE OF A VISA".
 
You need a valid visa

nkm-oct23 is right.
You need a valid visa to enter at POE.
But poeple with valid visa can show I-797 approval at POE to
get I-94 until the date on I-797(Like people with old H1 stamping
on passport and have new H1 approval due to extension or
change of employer).

But I read somewhere on this board that now you can go to any
consulate in India to get stamping because of wait time in Chennai.
 
U need visa stamp to enter US.
U can apply at other consulates also, as Chennai consulate is having a heavy rush.
 
What about old 797 and old visa?

I work for company A that is about to get acquired by company B. And, company B is just getting ready to apply for my new I797 that may take a while to get.

Meanwhile, I have an entry visa valid till Feb-2004 (on company A). I also have I797 valid till Feb-2004 (on company A).

While I am about to start my work with company B, can I make trip outside USA on these visa and I797?

Please advise.

Kind Regards,

StingRay70
 
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