Steps After Approval of H1B Visa

Key Steps After Approval of H-1B Visa 

Once your H-1B visa gets approved, you need to follow the steps given below: 

1.  Review the H-1B Approval Notice: After your H-1B petition is approved, you will receive an official notification from USCIS known as Form I-797. You need to verify all information on the notice. If there are any errors, then you should report this to USCIS immediately so that you do not have to face complications later.
2. Receive Notification from Employer: Your employer will provide you with a copy of the approval notice, which confirms your H-1B status. This document is proof of your work authorization and immigration status. You will need to keep the documents safe as it is needed for visa stamping and employment purposes.

3. Confirm Your Location and Start Date: If you are already in the U.S., you can begin work on the date listed in the approval notice. If you are outside the U.S., you must schedule a visa appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling.  

4. Get Your H-1B Visa Stamped (if outside the U.S.): You need to complete the visa application form accurately and pay all required fees. After that schedule your visa interview up to 90 days before your H-1B start date and prepare all necessary documents. Prepare for your interview and track your visa status after the appointment. 

5. Prepare for Arrival in the U.S.: Check out and confirm your travel plans and expected arrival date with your employer. Keep your visa, Form I-797, and job offer letter ready before traveling. Also, you need to make arrangements for accommodation for a living. 

6. Verify Your Form I-94: After entering the U.S., retrieve your I-94 record from the CBP website. This document confirms your lawful presence and period of authorized stay in the country. Keep a copy of your personal records and share it with your employer as proof of work authorization. 

7. Understand LCA Terms: Review your Labor Condition Application (LCA) to know your salary, job title, and work location. Confirm that your compensation aligns with U.S. wage standards and that all terms match your employment agreement. Keep track of any changes to ensure ongoing compliance. 

8. Set Up Payroll and Benefits: Make sure you are added to payroll and receive the correct salary as per the LCA. Enroll in company benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and other employee perks. Complete all onboarding and compliance training required by your employer.

Documents Required for H1B Visa Stamping

Here is the list of documents for H1B visa stamping: 

• Official academic transcripts in a sealed envelope 

• Copies of all I-20 forms (if you studied in the U.S.) 

• Copy of Form I-129 filed by your H-1B sponsor 

• Experience letter from your current employer 

• Project details if working on an in-house project 

• Bank statements (last 6 months) as proof of employment 

• Company documents (for small companies), such as tax details or photos 

• Social Security Card (if available) 

• U.S. driver’s license or state ID (if available) 

• Proof of U.S. residence, such as utility bills (if applicable) 

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: 

• It needs to be colored 

• It needs to be square 

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

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

Documents for Spouse and Children

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