My H1B was selected in the lottery, but it is still pending. If I travel outside the country now, will that cause my H1B to be denied?

Answer

Assuming the H1B petition included a change-of-status request, international travel would result in the status request being abandoned. This means the petition could still be approved, but essentially it would convert to a request for consular processing. In order to enter in H1B status, it generally would be necessary to wait for the petition to be approved and then obtain an H1B visa “stamp.” (06.Aug.2018)

In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law in real time. For details on chat participation, click here.

Access more FAQs here.

Copyright © 2018, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All Rights Reserved