H-1B Stamping in the Bahamas

[PP454]

Hi everyone,

I got my I-140 approved in August 2021, and my H1-B approved in October 2021. However, the USCIS decided to approve my petition without a "change of status" because my employer did not file my PERM on time and my H-1B got max-out in December 2020. Since then, I couldn't go back to India due to the pandemic, I had to change my status to B2 in order to stay here legally. I am trying to go to a U.S. consulate for a visa interview (outside the country) to change my status back to H-1B. I've been employed with the same company for the past 6 years, and the company has been very supportive.

I am planning to travel outside the United States to obtain an H-1B visa stamp in my passport in the Bahamas and then return to the United States to effectuate my H-1B status. Could someone please help share their experience and understanding of how interviews are conducted in the Bahamas? Do you think it's worth going to the Bahamas? How is their interviewing going? Do you believe it will be a difficult interview based on my situation?

Also, In my I-797 approval notice, it says, "Consulate: Mumbai" so is it still OK to attend my visa interview in the Bahamas? I am not sure why the USCIS has mentioned the specific consulate place. 

I will really appreciate it if you share your opinion, knowledge and experience for the Bahamas and change of status related experience.  Thank you in advance. 

Edited November 16, 2021 by PP454

[lovely]

Bahamas was closed for H1B visas for internationals for a while...unless something changed due to the pandemic which is highly unlikely but yet possible...you can check with consulate in Bahamas and see if they are NOW accepting H1B visa petitions and stamping and plan accordingly however, your notice clearly mentioned "Mumbai", so even if they accepted your application at the Bahamas they might redirect you to Mumbai, so be prepared to take that route.

[PP454]

They have recently opened up for H1B visas and are accepting H1B visa petitions; however, the dates are currently unavailable.

Does anyone know if H1B holders (I-797 approved) need a visa to go to the Bahamas?