URGENT: Lost I-797 after i got my H1B Visa stamped from canada

[attalur]

Hi All,

I have an issue... this might sound very strange case.

I am on H1 visa and valid for next 2.5 Yrs, got it stamped from Canada.
Recently i lost my original I-797.
I am planning to travel to India in the next couple of months on an important occasion and i am still with the same employer all these days.

* Do i need to carry my Original I-797?
* Please provide me alternatives for travelling?
* Will i be able to travel with a copy of I-797?

Thanks in advance

 

[dailyPluto]

* Do i need to carry my Original I-797?

No. As you have already the stamped passport, the upper portion of I-797 should be returned to petitioner, your employer. The left lower portion should be kept by you. I-94 in I-797 is normally returned when you leave U.S. after approval by USCIS.

* Please provide me alternatives for travelling?

The stamp on passport is enough.

* Will i be able to travel with a copy of I-797?

The officer at POE does not ask you to show I-797.

Keeping the original is important, but actually the photocopy is enough once you got the visa stamp on passport. If you apply for green card later, the photocopy is required.