International Faculty and Scholars who plan to travel abroad while in H-1B status must have the following documents in order to obtain an H-1B visa stamp and/or to re-enter the U.S.:

• Passport valid for at least six months into the future on the date of re-entry
• Valid H-1B visa stamp. If the visa stamp is no longer valid individuals must apply for an H-1B visa stamp before re-entering the U.S.  Canadian citizens are not required to obtain a visa stamp.
  • On September 6, 2025 and effective immediately, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) has updated its instructions for all nonimmigrant visa applicants who are scheduling visa interview appointments:
    • Applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence.
    • Nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at the designated embassy or consulate (see list here), unless their residence is elsewhere.
• Original of I-797A approval notice (Notice of Action)
• Past three months’ paycheck stubs (proof pay received).
• One copy of the I-129 filed by UNC-CH (included in Scholars Copy of petition)
• One copy of ETA 9035E Labor Condition Application (included in Scholars Copy of petition)
• Copy of letter of support for H-1B petition (included in Scholars Copy of packet)
• If  previously in J-1 or J-2  status and were subject to the two year home residence requirement [212 (e)], an individual must present the waiver approval in order to obtain the H-1B visa.
• Original diplomas and transcripts if applying for a new visa. If the diplomas/transcripts are not in English, there must be an official translation to accompany the diploma and/or transcript.
• Current letter of support from H-1B’s department

Visa Delay

There may be a background check which may cause a delay in obtaining the visa stamp.

Upon return to the U.S., please come to the ISSS office with the original I-94 and passport so that ISSS staff can photocopy the I-94 and the new visa stamp page (if one was obtained during travel outside the U.S.).

Continued Validity Of H Visa After Change Of Employer

If there has been a change in employer since the first entry to the United States, or if  a scholar has changed status to H-1B and there is a valid H-1B visa in their passport through the previous employer, scholars may reenter the U.S.using that visa, provided that they present a valid H-1B approval notice for UNC-Chapel Hill at the port of entry.