H1B Travel Documents

H1B Visa Travel

H1B Port of Entry Documents Checklist, Process

Once you get the good news of your H1B visa being approved and start gearing up for your journey, the H1B travel documents will become your primary consideration. After that, you'll have to ascertain your entry into the U.S., and at this juncture, TechFetch will come to your aid like a best friend. They will provide you with all the information you may require to ensure your seamless entry into the United States.

An official from the C.B.P. will be present to examine and assess you when you are about to enter the United States. The overall scheme of things at this stage is not complex, and most H1-B Visa holders are allowed to come on U.S. soil with ease. However, there may be times when an H1-B Visa holder is rejected by the official from the C.B.P. This implies that the concerned person will not be allowed to come to the U.S.

Let us take a look at the documentation required to ensure you aren’t the one who is denied entry.

H1B Visa Holders- Coming to the U.S.A.

The general procedure of entry for someone with an H1B visa is similar to people with other visa types/ The major point of distinction is that you will be allowed to examine the pertinent documents. You must become familiar with the processes and commonly asked questions and obtain other relevant information mandatory for coming on U.S. soil.

It is highly probable that the official from the C.B.P. will examine and assess all the statutory documents along with those papers which have been mandated by the executive order.

H1B Travel Documents- A Comprehensive List

The general list of documents is as follows:

Your passport and the legally eligible H1B Visa
Form I-797
Evidence of employment opportunities in the U.S.
Letter of sponsorship in your favour
Work/ employment contract
All relevant educational credentials

The list of documents for those who have an educational degree from an institution in the U.S.A.:

I-20 Records from the institutions where you obtained education
Your O.P.T. cards from the above-said institution
W2 forms

The list of documents for immigrants who have been employed under the H1B scheme in the past is detailed below:

Your salary slips of the previous 6 pay cycles/ months
The documents related to the project on which you worked
Valid certification of prior relevant work experience

However, it always makes sense to consult a knowledgeable advocate who will give you all the guidance you may need. The major point you need to understand is that you need to provide a valid employment offer in the U.S.

Also, you will be required to provide your place of stay in the United States. If you are planning to enter the States on land, then you may be required to fill out Form- 194 along with verification of your contact numbers.

The complete information about the people in charge of your employment will also be necessary. In case there are some issues, these people will serve as your primary contacts.

H1B Travel- F.A.Q.s of the C.B.P. Officials

It is always smart to get to know about the most probable questions that will be asked by the C.B.P. officials. Let's take a look:

Where will you be working in the U.S.A.?
Where will you be staying in the initial days before finding accommodation?
Do you have any relatives, acquaintances or friends in the country?
What are the items contained in your luggage?

You can also read more about these frequently asked questions by visiting TechFetch.

H1B Travel Documents- Have you considered insurance?

Before you land on U.S. soil, it will always be sensible to think about insurance. Opting for temporary or short-term health insurance for tourists will be the best foot forward. After finding accommodations, you can consider purchasing complete health insurance. Additionally, your employer might also provide proper health insurance.

H1B Travel Documents- Should You Keep Them Close?

Your copy of the H1B related documents should never be kept in your luggage. In fact, it is best to keep them on your person or in a bag that you carry on the flight. The reason behind this is that the documents will neither be shown to you nor will they be available for perusal up until the interview by the C.B.P. personnel. So, in case you need to peruse them to answer questions keeping them near you and easily accessible will be the sensible approach.

The Procedure for Entry at the PoE

The C.B.P. personnel is the first and most crucial authority as far as your actual entry into the United States is concerned. They will conduct a thorough interview, along with proper verification of all the necessary documents. Hence, it not only makes sense to be prepared for the possible questions they may ask but also to be up to date with all the statutory documents. After all, no one wants the PoE to be their last destination in the U.S.A.

Generally, the H1-B visa holders do not have to face a lot of trouble. They get their passport legally stamped and can set foot on U.S. soil. However, there is always a possibility of something going wrong. Hence, preparation is crucial. If the primary C.B.P. official finds you suspicious, then you will have no option except to present you for another interview/ examination before a senior person. If you fail to cooperate at this stage, then you will have no option except to go back to your home country.