“Always Carry Your I-797”: Crucial Advice for H-1B Visa Holders in the U.S.

United States: Foreign workers in the U.S. on H-1B visas are being urged to always carry their I-797 approval notice, following multiple reports of internal checks at border areas and national parks. With immigration rules tightening, failure to present proper documentation can lead to delays or questioning—even for visa holders with no criminal record.

Border and Internal Checkpoints

Recently, an H-1B worker shared his experience on Reddit, explaining how he and a friend were stopped at checkpoints while visiting White Sands National Park (New Mexico) and Big Bend National Park (Texas). Despite having a valid H-1B extension and I-797 approval notice, they were initially asked to show additional documents. One worker had only a soft copy of the I-797 on his phone, which caused initial hesitation from the immigration officer, though it was eventually accepted.

Legal Requirement to Carry Immigration Documents

The worker emphasized that immigration documents must always be carried in printed or original form, as soft copies may not be accepted due to the risk of fraud. At one checkpoint, an officer refused the soft copy and requested a driver’s license instead. After verification, they were allowed to proceed, highlighting the importance of keeping documents accessible at all times.

He also pointed out that internal checkpoints are not limited to ports of entry. Officers at border-adjacent areas conduct checks regularly, making it essential for H-1B visa holders to have their I-797 notice with them at all times. “Even though officers were professional, I advise all workers to carry their immigration documents. It is legally required, especially near border areas,” he said.

What is the I-797 Approval Notice?

The I-797 approval notice is an official document issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), confirming the approval of your visa petition. It contains details such as:

• Visa holder’s status
• Validity period
• Employer’s name (if applicable)

This document is now critical for any travel or internal verification in the U.S., as authorities increasingly request proof of visa status during routine checks.

Takeaway: H-1B visa holders should always carry their I-797, preferably in printed form, alongside their passport, to avoid unnecessary delays or complications while traveling in the United States.