Hi,

I'm working in the US since April'07 with a J1 visa (trainee) valid until 1st Nov'08.
My H1-b application has been approved , and I have the approval in hand (I-797B).

I wish to travel to Brasil from 12th Sep to 21th Sep and get the new H1B stamp, but re-enter on 21st Sep on the J1, without use my H1 stamp.
Can I have both stamps (J1 and H1B)?
Do they cancel my non-expired J1 stamp if I get the H1B stamp?
Can I use my J1 from 21st Sep to 1st Oct??
Do I have to get a "Petition for Status change"?? Because my I-797B is just a "Petition for a nonimigrant worker".


H1-B Approved Oct'08 - Sep'11
J1 valid till Nov 1, 2008


Do you think it is better to travel on 19th Sep to 28th Sep? Or I have to go on 19th and wait until 1st Oct?


Please let me know if there is any kind of risk involved.

Thanks, Any help will be greatly appreciated.

H-1B is "nonimmigrant worker", you don't have to do anything with that.

You may have 2 different unexpired visas stamped on your passport, but you can enter US with only one at a time. If you return before 1 Oct, you must return as J-1 and then you have to leave and re-enter as H-1B later. Why not make it all in one trip by returning on 1 Oct.

H-1B is "nonimmigrant worker", you don't have to do anything with that.

You may have 2 different unexpired visas stamped on your passport, but you can enter US with only one at a time. If you return before 1 Oct, you must return as J-1 and then you have to leave and re-enter as H-1B later. Why not make it all in one trip by returning on 1 Oct.


But are you sure that I can not get in on Sep and automatically change the status from J1 to H1b? I actually have to leave the border again?