H1B Consular Processing - Any disadvantages?

[Vigneshk89]

I am looking for some guidance on ability to travel while a H1B application for FY 2020 is under processing. In order to enable that I was reading that we could do this if we opt for consular processing thereby giving me the option to go for stamping after the decision is made unlike Change of Status and also letting me travel while this happens. My current OPT/EAD ends July 2019, and I plan to apply for an OPT extension shortly to extend that for the 2 year timeframe which is what I hope to use whole the H1B process goes through under consular processing to work and travel.

Are there specific disadvantages to take the route of Consular Processing?

Thank you in advance!

[gopalakrishnach]

ability to travel while a H1B application for FY 2020 is under processing  - its advice not to travel during processing....

[Vigneshk89]

Thanks @gopalakrishnach for your response. That was my understanding as well, however learning more about Consular Processing I wanted to check if that would give any ability to travel since from what I am reading you get to basically choose when the transfer to H1B happens allowing you to use F1/OPT to travel in the meantime. Is that understanding accurate?

[LeaveMessageH1B]

5 hours ago, Vigneshk89 said:

use F1/OPT to travel in the meantime

one should not rely on OPT to get an entry. Try not to add complexities.

If travelling is your priority then request your employer's attorney to submit your petition as CP and not as COS.

[gopalakrishnach]

allowing you to use F1/OPT to travel in the meantime  - risky.

No travel advised during processing...