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21 Aug 2019

My client would like me to travel to the U.S. to attend a couple of meetings, so I am applying for a B-1/B-2 visa. Do I need to present the original invitation letter? Or, can I use a scanned copy of the letter?

Answer An invitation letter – whether it be the original or a copy – is not normally required. It can be helpful in certain situations, though. If presented during the visa application, a scanned copy typically would suffice. (21.Aug.2019)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy...

13:42 / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / Travel / Worker
14 Aug 2019

My H1B was selected in the lottery, but it is still pending. If I travel outside the U.S. now, will that result in my H1B being denied?

Answer Generally speaking, if a person travels while an H1B petition is pending, any change-of-status request would be abandoned and the case could be approved only for consular notification. (14.Aug.2019)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the...

13:20 / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / Travel / Worker
07 Aug 2019

I applied for a visa stamp at the U.S. Consulate in Chennai, but was issued a 221(g). I submitted all the documents requested about 2 months ago, but still no word from the consulate. Do I have any options?

Answer Unfortunately, the U.S. consulates in India now are generally telling applicants that a decision after a 221(g) refusal could take up to 6 months. Until then, there usually are few options. One is free to inquire through Traveldocs. However, these inquiries often only receive a...

08:03 / Consulates / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / Travel / Worker
24 Jul 2019

I own a company in India and need to travel to the U.S. to meet with a client. Will the consulate accept a scanned copy of an invitation letter from the U.S. company? Or do I need to present the original signed document?

Answer There is generally no requirement that an invitation letter be presented at all. However, they can be useful to evidence the purpose of one's proposed trip. If such a letter is submitted, a scanned copy is typically acceptable. (24.Jul.2019)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela...

12:30 / FAQs / For Individuals / Travel
24 Jun 2019

I am currently in F-1 status, and we just received an RFE on my H1B petition, which was selected in this year’s lottery. Can I convert my pending H1B case to consular processing?

Answer In general, a petitioner may withdraw a request for "change of status" while replying to an RFE, and request approval only for consular notification (i.e., consular processing). (24.Jun.2019)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law...

08:16 / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / Student / Travel / Worker