New H1B arrival, what do I need for the port of entry?
I just got my newly-approved H1B visa stamped into my (UK) passport and am flying to America in a week. Besides my stamped passport, and my I-797B (Notice of Action) document, is there any other documentation I should bring, or questions I should be prepared for? Is it worth carrying a copy of my employment contract or any of the petition paperwork? I'm within the validity dates of the approval notice. I just don't know what to expect at the port of entry!
Best Answer
From Path2Usa:
Upon your arrival in the U.S. you will have to pass through this counter. The immigration/customs officer will ask you certain questions, stamp your passport, and give you the I-94 counter slip. You are legally allowed to stay in the U.S. till the date printed on your I-94 and the date printed on the visa.
All nonimmigrant visitors holding visas are required to participate in the US-VISIT program that tracks entries to and exits from the U.S. Under this system, the Immigration Officer will click your digital photo and take your digital finger print. You should expect questions related to your length of stay and your place of residence. You may be asked questions such as "Why you want to stay in U.S. for 3 months? Or why do you want to stay for 6 months?
To summarize, this is what happens at the port of entry:
- Immigration officer looks at your travel documents (passport, visa, and I-94 form).
- Immigration officer may ask questions about the purpose of your visit.
- Immigration officer will take digital picture and digital finger print. (known as us-visit program)
- Stamp your passport and provide a departure date on I-94.
So make sure you have your plan sorted (where you're staying to start with, where the name and address of where you're working), maybe proof of funds (other visas for the US sometimes require this, so you might just get that one officer who is asking for extraneous documents), and a smile :)
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What documents are required at port of entry for H-1B visa?
H1B Port of Entry Documents Checklist- Original Passport with valid H1B Visa stamp issued by Consulate on it.
- H1B Visa Approval notice from USCIS ( Form I-797A Notice of Action)
- Copy of H1B Labor Condition Application(LCA)
- Job offer letter given by the H1B sponsoring company.
What are the documents required at port of entry?
You need to give your passport and Visa ( if in different passport) to the CBP officer. They will check the system and ask you for your reason for travel and documents supporting your visa that you plan to use for entry.Is Original I-797 required at port of entry?
You do not need to present your original I-797 approval notice when you apply for entry into the U.S. The receipt number on your visa stamp is sufficient for officials at the port of entry to look up the petition approval.Do I have to go to my home country for H1B stamping?
Most visa holders return to their home country to obtain the H1B stamp (it cannot be done in the U.S.), but you can also elect to be processed in Mexico or Canada. If you are transferring your H1B status to a new employer, but still have time left on the stamp in your passport, you do not need a new stamp.USA Port of Entry Experience + Tips | CR1 Visa 🇺🇸🇵🇭
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Answer 2
In the normal case you don't need anything except your passport and address where you're going. This address could be a hotel, rented apartment or company's office, but you do have to tell where you're going after the airport.
I would recommend to have other papers confirming your intentions with you.
They'll ask you a few questions about purpose of visit, etc. Nothing special.
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