Re entry back to USA with H1b stamping expiring in 2 weeks.

[Srinath Kankanala]

I'm currently on H1B visa status. My new H1b renewal petition got approved for 3 more years (starts January 01, 2021 and expires December 30, 2023) with same employer. My current H1b visa stamping expires on Dec 31st 2020 and I have to travel to India. I'm planning to return back to USA around December 15, 2020 which is 2 weeks before my current visa stamping expires. Will i be allowed at port of entry? Should i even travel? Please suggest. Thank you in advance.

[Srinath Kankanala]

btw my new H1b renewal petition got approved just last week. LCA was certified in mid of September, Petition was sent on Oct 10, got approved just last week.

[newacct]

Yes, you will be allowed in and you should bring a copy of the new H1b petition approval so you can be admitted until December 30, 2023.

[pontevecchio]

Your valid H1 Visa stamp and the approved petition are all you need to come back.

[metroguy]

Its going to be tricky. The Port of entry officer will check for your H1b visa sticker. It should be at least 6 months valid and will ask why you dint got the visa sticker renewal either in person or by dropbox. You can say due to covid the consulates are closed. I had similar experience before.

[imssv]

I travelled back to USA just a day before my visa stamp was expiring. All the officer asked was for new approved i797. 

[Srinath Kankanala]

Thank you everyone for the valuable information and suggestions This will help..

[Srinath Kankanala]

On 10/22/2020 at 1:28 PM, imssv said:

I travelled back to USA just a day before my visa stamp was expiring. All the officer asked was for new approved i797. 

When was this. is it in 2020 after Covid?