Steps After Approval of H1B Visa

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Stamping of H1B Visa

Once the applicant has received the H1B approval notice from his/her employer or attorney, he/she may schedule a visa interview with the US embassy for stamping of the visa on his/her passport.
The documents and formalities an applicant will need to furnish and complete for stamping of the visa have been listed below:

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Documents Required for H1B Visa Stamping

Here is the list of documents for H1B visa stamping: 

1. Offer Letter from current employer
2. Copy of resume
3. Company project documents to describe the nature of business of the company
4. Previous H1B approval notice (If applicable)
5. I-797 A,B, or C

Photograph Requirements for H1B Visa Stamping

Once your appointment for the visa stamping interview has been set, you will need to get a photo of yourself for your H-1B visa. The following criteria must be met by this image: 

1. It needs to be colored 

1. It needs to be square 

1. It must measure at least 600 by 600 pixels and no more than 1,200 by 1,200 pixels 

1. It must be saved as a JPEG file with a maximum size of 240 kilobytes. 

Education Proof

1. Official Transcripts (Undergraduate, graduate and other qualifications)
2. Diplomas or degree certificates
3. Original I-20 forms (Degrees from the US)
4. Optional Practical Training (OPT) Employment Authorization Document (EAD) cards (If applicable)

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Documents for Spouse and Children

1. Original HDFC Bank visa fee receipt (For US Consulate General, Mumbai)
2. Original Notice of Action Form I-797 of the principal applicant
3. Photocopy of principal applicant's valid visa (if applying separately to dependents)
4. Original Marriage Certificate with wedding photo album
5. Original Birth Certificate of Child
6. Form I-129 of the principal applicant

Expectations During the H1B Visa Stamping Interview

You will be interviewed by a consular officer at the time of your visa stamping appointment, which is also referred to as consular processing. 

In addition to answering a number of questions, you must show the consular official any required documents. These inquiries will concern your sponsor employer, your goals, and you're training and experience. 

FAQs on Steps After Approval of H1B Visa

• What is the processing time for H1B visa stamping after approval?

  The processing time for H1B visa stamping after approval can vary based on several factors, such as the embassy or consulate's workload and the time of year. On average, it takes between 1-4 weeks to schedule an interview and receive the visa stamp. 

• Can an H1B visa holder change employers after the visa is approved?

  Yes, an H1B visa holder can change employers after the visa is approved. However, the new employer will need to file a new H1B petition, and the employee will need to obtain a new H1B visa stamp. 

• What is the validity period for an H1B visa?

  The validity period for an H1B visa varies based on the applicant's situation. Generally, the visa is valid for three years and can be extended for up to six years. However, if the visa holder changes employers or leaves the country, the validity period may change. 

• Can an H1B visa holder bring their family members to the US?

  Yes, an H1B visa holder can bring their spouse and children under the age of 21 to the US on an H4 visa. The H4 visa allows dependents to live and study in the US, but they are not allowed to work. 

• Is it possible to obtain permanent residency in the US while on an H1B visa?

  Yes, it is possible to obtain permanent residency (a green card) in the US while on an H1B visa. However, the process can be complex and time-consuming, and it requires the applicant to meet certain eligibility criteria. Many H1B visa holders pursue permanent residency through employment-based immigration programs. 

• What is required for dependents to apply for an H4 visa?

  Dependents need to provide a photocopy of the principal applicant's valid visa, the original marriage certificate with a wedding photo album, the original birth certificate of the child, and form I-129 of the principal applicant. 

• What is the I-94 attachment on the approval notice for an H1B visa?

  The I-94 attachment on the approval notice for an H1B visa is used to indicate the validity of the change in status and the duration of the visa if the visa was applied for in the US with a change in status. 

• What is the next step after an applicant receives the H1B approval notice?

  The applicant may schedule a visa interview with the US embassy to stamp the visa on their passport. 

• What happens after an H1B visa petition is selected in the lottery?

  The employer forwards the petition receipt number and receipt notice to the applicant, who can use it to check the status of their H1B application.