Travel to India via London when on H1B Extension

[Trishaal]

Hello All,

 

On my passport visa stamping is valid till Jul 31, 2013. But my H1 got extended now and it is valid till Mar 31, 2014.  I need to go to India  in Oct and I have booked BA flight via London. My company says I should not. But can I travel via London by applying transit visa? Please let me know what are the risks.

 

 

Thanks in advance

Trish

[jairichi]

If you fulfill the conditions mentioned in this UK immigration website then you do not need a transit visa.

 

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/transitthroughtheuk/visa-transit-airside/%C2'>

 

But, I would suggest you to avoid as there is always risk involved

[jairichi]

If you are a national of a country covered by the DATV system, you may be able to transit the UK airside without a visa. To qualify for this exemption:

• you must arrive and depart by air; and
• your onward flight must be confirmed, and must depart within 24 hours; and
• you have proper documentation for your destination, including a visa if necessary.

Additionally, you must hold:

A valid US immigrant visa packet (form 155A/155B) is a 'valid visa' for these purposes, but the following documents are not valid for the DATV exemption:

 

1) a valid entry visa for Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the USA, and a valid airline ticket for travel via the UK, as part of a journey to or from one of those countries; or
2) a valid airline ticket for travel via the UK as part of a journey from Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the USA, if you are transiting the UK no more than 6 months after the date when you last entered Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the USA with a valid entry visa for that country; or
3) a valid USA I-551 permanent resident card issued on or after 21 April 1998; or
4) an expired I-551 permanent resident card issued on or after 21 April 1998, accompanied by an I-797 extension letter issued by the Bureau of Citizenship; or
5) a valid Canadian permanent resident card issued on or after 28 June 2002; or
6) a valid Australian or New Zealand residence visa; or
7) a valid uniform format category D visa for entry to a state in the European Economic Area (EEA); or
8) a valid uniform format residence permit issued by an EEA state under Council Regulation (EC) number 1030/2002; or
9) a valid UK residence card; or
10) a valid EEA family permit issued by the UK government; or
11) a diplomatic or service passport issued by the People's Republic of China; or
12) a diplomatic or official passport issued by India; or
13) a diplomatic or official passport issued by Vietnam.

• an I-512 parole letter or an I-797C (notice of action) instead of a valid US visa.
• a transportation letter instead of a valid US permanent resident card issued on or after 21 April 1998;
• a valid travel document with a US 'ADIT' stamp saying - 'Processed for I-551. TEMPORARY EVIDENCE OF LAWFUL ADMISSION FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE VALID UNTIL [date]. EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZED'; and
• a US visa foil endorsed, "NOT A VISA. FOIL PREPARED AT DHS REQUEST".

[CCR]

There is no risk involved if you get a transit visa...but since u've already booked it, cancelling the flight will be an expensive ordeal so the best thing to do is get the transit visa. 

[omshiv]

As far as I understand and when I read the last time couple of yrs back..the rule said that if you have Unexpired US Visa stamped on your passport and if you are travelling via London you dont need a Transit Visa. But since in your case the Visa is expired you'll need Transit visa.

 

Not sure why your company says you shouldnt.

[chakrakr]

You will need a DATV (Direct Airside Transit Visa)

[pendoc]

You will need a stamp on the visa for the dates or have a transit visa if the visa stamp has expired despite the extension.I had this issue and was not allowed to board BA.

[pendoc]

If your B1 visa is valid for the dates of travel then you will be allowed to board although that may not be technically the visa you are in the US with.

[jairichi]

If your B1 visa is valid for the dates of travel then you will be allowed to board although that may not be technically the visa you are in the US with.

It does not matter with what visa you enter US. As long as you have any valid US visa stamped in your passport you are allowed to transit airside with out a transit visa

[omshiv]

If your B1 visa is valid for the dates of travel then you will be allowed to board although that may not be technically the visa you are in the US with.

Where did OP mention anything about B1?