Traveling on H1B while switching jobs
I have a month’s time to join my next company. I want to make international travel happen for two weeks (on expired H1B visa, but approved I797 with my current company). These are my two options: 1. Give 4 weeks notice to current company. work for first two weeks and take up PTO for last two weeks. Get H1B stamp for current company and return to US and join new company right away. 2. Travel on PTO for next two weeks. Come back to US on current company’s visa (hopefully I get it). Give my two weeks notice and then join new company. Goes without saying, not traveling is always the safe option, but I’m willing to take my chances. TC: 219 -> 430
TC?
Either is fine. To pull off the first, you need a good relationship with the current company. I’d go with second because it is easier. Even if there are delays, either work with your current company to have shorter notice, or let your second company know of the delay, or both, so you get a nice vacation between the two. Don’t stress about delays w.r.t visas; just think of it as a longer vacation.
I really am inclined to second option as well. I think it’s better to hedge potential visa stamping delays against notice period vs pushing new start date out further. Also what if my current company decides to cut short my PTO and take me out of payroll earlier (we have unlimited PTO, so not sure what the actual risk is here). I’d like to think I have a decent/good relationship with my current team and superiors, but still a risk I need to consider.
Is your visa stamp valid?
It’s not valid. Been expired for under 1 year
You can come back on expired stamp only from Canada or Mexico for short visit. You can get another stamp for your existing company that’s allowed, if your existing company’s i797 is valid or you can wait and go on newer company’s i797. Talk to attorney for best option.