/Office of Global Affairs
Visa and Immigration Services

H-1B Visa Stamping

If you are in H-1B status and plan to travel internationally, you may need an H-1B visa stamp in your passport to reenter the United States. The visa stamp is issued by a U.S. consulate outside the U.S. and serves as a travel document only—it does not control your ability to work in H-1B status.

When You Need a Visa Stamp

  • You must have a valid H-1B visa stamp to return to the U.S., unless you are a Canadian citizen.

  • If your previous H-1B visa stamp has expired, you must obtain a new one before reentry.

Where to Get a Visa

You must obtain a U.S. visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside of the U.S.

You must apply for your visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country or where you permanently reside. Showing proof of residence will be required if you are applying at a location based on your residency.

Effective September 6, 2025, nonimmigrant visa applications at embassies outside your home country, known as ‘third country national (TCN)’ applications, will only be allowed if the U.S. government is not providing routine nonimmigrant visa services in your home country. The U.S. Department of State has published a list of alternative locations for affected applicants.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

  • H-1B approval notice (Form I-797)

  • Passport valid at least six months into the future

  • Employment verification letter from HR 

  • Recent pay stubs

  • Completed DS-160 and confirmation page

  • Any additional items listed on the consulate’s website

*Starting December 15, 2025, H-1B and H-4 visa applicants will undergo a review of their online presence as part of their visa application process at US consulates abroad as per a State Department Announcement.

Visa applicants will be required to set their social media account to "public" and provide information regarding any social media platforms that they have used during the five years. You are required to provide any usernames or handles used on those platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Reddit, Twitter, Weibo, YouTube, and more. You can make selections from a pulldown menu.

Processing Times

Visa processing varies by consulate. Some cases may require additional administrative processing, which can delay travel. Always check the consulate’s current requirements and plan accordingly.

Travel While the Petition is Pending

If your H-1B petition is pending, consult VIS before traveling. Leaving the U.S. while a change of status is pending may cause USCIS to approve the case for consular processing only.