Automatic Revalidation with H1 v797 approval form?

[swame_sp]

Hello all,

My first post in this helpful forum, my US visa was recently converted from L1 to H1 by my company and have the active I-797 approval notice.

I have canadian visitor visa stamped on my passport through my L1 visa (which was active while applying for visitor visa). The question here is now L1 becoming invalid after conversion, can I travel to canada for 4 days and get back to US with just the I-797 for H1 even though I don't have H1 stamped on my passport. It's a personal visit and not for Visa stamping, do I become eligible to return to USA under Automation Revalidation?

Please help.

Thanks.

[dejavu]

I have travelled back from Canada couple times on expired h1b through road into US.

Border agents most often do not know about this option, so they have to check with their supervisor before they let you pass. You might end up waiting at the booth for a min or two.

I travelled through Peace Bridge and border agent told me its been a while since he saw an H1B. So it's not alien to them.

Good luck.

[swame_sp]

Thanks dejavu for the response. The two things that concern me is,

- I don't have H1 stamped on my passport, only proof to show that it is active is thru I797.
- Is automatic revalidation is applicable in my case.

I will be crossing Canada on road, via NY entry.

[hello]

Originally Posted by swame_sp

Thanks dejavu for the response. The two things that concern me is,

- I don't have H1 stamped on my passport, only proof to show that it is active is thru I797.
- Is automatic revalidation is applicable in my case.

I will be crossing Canada on road, via NY entry.

I came many times from Canada using AVR they need to see you have any previously issued expired/curent non immigrant visa on your passport.

[swame_sp]

Just to update the thread, called the CBP (Customs and Border Protection) and explained my situation and the person said I'm good to return back to USA.

Thanks all.