You’ll need a valid H-1B visa stamp in your passport to reenter the United States, even if your approval notice is still valid. Check whether your current visa stamp has expired before making travel plans.

If your visa stamp has expired, you must schedule a consular appointment in India, and wait times can vary by location. Carry your original I-797 approval notice, employment verification letter, and recent pay stubs for your interview. When returning, U.S. Customs and Border Protection may ask about your job and employer. Having complete documentation reduces the chance of delays.

Confirm that your employer has maintained your H-1B status and that your job conditions haven’t changed. Any major changes could affect reentry, so verifying everything before travel is important.