OPT, H-1 Visa and travel outside of the US question.?

Question

Hi,

I'm currently on OPT and have a full time job. My company is willing to sponsor an H-1 for me which is gonna be done in April 1 2007.

I'm planning to go back to my country just for a vacation (my brother is getting married July 07), so I'm looking forward to it.

My question would be, if let's say I got a confirmation that my H-1 has been approved BEFORE I travel outside of the US. Will travel outside of the US jeoperdize the status of my H-1? I heard vaguely that to re-enter the US I need to be on OPT (F-1) status and therfor it will reset my H-1 status.

Thank you

Answer 1

travelling outside the US will not endanger your H1B approval process. If you receive the approval before you go, you should apply for your H1B visa while you are on your vacation - in any case, you need a valid visa to return to the US, either the H1B or an F1 for the completion of your OPT.