Once the H-1B petition is approved by USCIS and received by the university, ISSA will send a copy of the H-1B Approval Notice (I-797) to the department and H-1B employee via email.
If the H-1B petition (I-129) was filed for consular processing (“notify consulate” was selected), the H-1B employee will need to apply for an H-1B visa stamp at the nearest US consulate. If the employee is inside the US and a change of status has been approved by USCIS, the H-1B employee can wait until their next exit from the US to apply for an H-1B visa stamp.
The visa stamp may expire after an individual has been admitted to the US. A visa stamp is only required when an individual seeks admission to the US at a port of entry. To apply for a second or subsequent visa stamp (renewal), follow the same steps as described below, and carry copies of your most recent paystubs and H-1B petition (I-129) with you to the visa interview and at the port of entry.
Note: Canadian citizens do not need visa stamps, but they must present the documents listed below to the CBP officer upon entry into the US.
Step 1 - Complete DS-160 and Schedule Visa Interview Appointment
After receiving the notice of approval containing the receipt number, the H-1B employee can complete the DS-160 (Online Non-Immigrant Visa Application) to initiate the visa application process. Once completed, the H-1B employee will receive a confirmation number to make their visa interview appointment. Please note that visa wait times depend on both the visa type and country. Find more information regarding current visa wait times here.
Note: The H-1B employee can sometimes schedule the visa interview appointment with the petition receipt notice, but we advise waiting until notification of approval has been issued. The original H-1B Approval Notice (I-797) is not required to make nor attend the visa interview appointment.
Step 2 - Gather Documentation
Review the specific consulate website to confirm the documents required for the visa interview appointment. In general, expect to present the following:
- Confirmation page of the application form DS-160
- Visa application (MRV) fee payment receipt
- Passport, valid for at least six months into the future
- A color photograph taken within the last six months (review embassy page for specific photo requirements, including size, pixel, format)
- The receipt number of the approved petition (ISSA will email this as soon as the H-1B petition is approved)
Note: Additional documents may be requested, and it is the applicant’s responsibility to review and gather all necessary documents.
Step 3- Attend visa interview appointment
After the visa interview appointment, the consular officer will indicate whether the visa has been approved or denied. In some instances, the application may require further administrative processing. The applicant will be informed by the consular officer if further processing, information, or documentation is required.
Step 4 - Wait for visa issuance, pick up passport with visa stamp
There is no way to guarantee how long consular processing will take once the visa interview appointment is complete. Some applicants may be required to pay a Reciprocity Fee upon visa approval. Arrange transportation to the US after the passport with visa has been returned. H-1B employees may enter the US no more than 10 days prior to the start date listed on their H-1B Approval Notice (I-797).