H-1B Travel

There are specific guidelines that nonimmigrants traveling as an H-1B should be aware of. H-1B travel entails an approved H-1B petition and application for a visa stamp at a U.S. Embassy.

If you change to H-1B status while in the U.S., the Office of International Affairs (OIA) will partner with you to apply for an H-1B visa stamp before your first trip outside the U.S. Please contact your immigration adviser at least 30 days prior to your travel date.

If your H-1B petition was filed for consular processing, you are required to obtain an H-1B visa at a U.S Embassy.

Please visit the embassy website for detailed visa application instructions.

Security Checks

Security checks during the application for a visa stamp are very common for all nonimmigrants studying or working in scientific fields. They are even more common in specific locations, such as China, India, Korea, and Middle Eastern countries.

While these checks are usually completed within three weeks, a few have taken as long as six months. UT Southwestern cannot shorten the review process. Please plan accordingly and let your supervisor know about this possibility.

Other Useful H-1B Travel Information: Positions

• You will not be permitted to enter the U.S. in H-1B status more than 10 days prior to the effective date of that status.
• You are required to start your position no later than 30 days after your arrival.
• H-1B visa is employer- and position-specific; any changes in employment should be reviewed by OIA advisers.
• Please find estimated wait times for interview scheduling.