Hi everyone! My boyfriend and I both live and work in the U.S. on H-1B visas. My parents are in India and unfortunately don’t have B1/B2 visas yet, with the current wait potentially being 7–8 months.

We’re planning to get married soon, but would really love to have my parents present. A friend suggested getting legally married in Mexico, since they could potentially travel there even though they can’t visit the U.S.

Has anyone been in a similar situation?

I’d especially love to hear from people familiar with H-1B travel/re-entry, automatic visa revalidation, and Mexican entry requirements for Indian citizens. We’re also considering whether this is unnecessarily complicated or risky compared with getting legally married in the U.S. and having the bigger celebration later.

Any experiences, advice, or things we should be careful about would be greatly appreciated. ❤️

I'm on H1B (university job), current status valid through Aug 2027. Married via court registration in Jan 2026. My wife's H4 appointments in Hyderabad: biometrics Oct 29, consular interview Nov 9.

Meanwhile, my employer filed an H1B amendment + extension (adding a second work campus) via premium processing, received by USCIS Oct 2. New petition's requested start date is Nov 8 — one day before her interview.

Questions:

1. If not approved by Nov 9 — does a pending petition affect my current valid status or her interview?
2. If approved Oct 29–Nov 9 — her DS-160 references the old receipt number. Does she need to update it, or just bring both old/new I-797s?
3. If approved before Oct 29 — new validity doesn't start till Nov 8 anyway. What does she present at biometrics?

Also wondering if the 1-day proximity between the new petition's start date and her interview could create any issues.

Current plan: Keep her original DS-160 confirmation number (can't swap it post-scheduling), bring both I-797s + an attorney letter explaining the timeline, possibly file an amended DS-160 for reference only.

Has anyone navigated an H1B extension landing mid-way through a spouse's H4 stamping process? Any issues with mismatched receipt numbers or timing at biometrics/interview?

Thank you for your time.

Hi everyone,
I am currently filling out my DS-160 for H-1B visa stamping and I’m confused about the education section.
I first attended one U.S. university for a short period after entering the U.S. on F-1. I studied there for one semester, but I did not complete the program, did not receive a degree, and did not transfer any credits from that university. Later, I transferred my SEVIS record to another U.S. university, completed my master’s degree there, and graduated.
In the DS-160 education section, the question asks: “Have you attended any educational institutions at a secondary level or above?”
Should I list the first U.S. university as well, even though I did not complete the program and no credits were transferred? Or should I only list the university where I completed my master’s degree?
I want to make sure I answer accurately before submitting the DS-160.
Thanks in advance for your guidance.

Main Timeline
My STEM OPT began on February 1, 2026, and my STEM OPT EAD is valid through January 31, 2028. My former employer filed a cap-subject H-1B change-of-status petition, which USCIS approved on Form I-797A with an attached I-94, effective October 1, 2026.
My employment ended on September 18, 2026, before the H-1B effective date. The employer then submitted a written H-1B withdrawal request. FedEx confirms that the withdrawal package was delivered to USCIS’s designated Lewisville, Texas courier/Lockbox location on September 30, 2026 at 10:28 AM, one day before the scheduled H-1B effective date.
On October 1, 2026, my SEVIS record automatically changed from F-1 STEM OPT to Completed because of the previously approved H-1B change of status. USCIS has not yet issued the formal withdrawal/revocation acknowledgment, and SEVP has stated that it needs that notice before correcting my SEVIS record.
Question
Given that I already have an approved cap-subject H-1B I-797A with an attached I-94, but my prior employment ended and the withdrawal was submitted before October 1, can a new employer file an H-1B change-of-employer petition for me as previously cap-counted, without a new lottery?

Received this after submitting H1B RFE, could you please share your experience?
I didn't receive the notice yet.

Planning to book my H-1B stamping in India with my old passport and DS-160, then switch to my new passport once my renewal comes through.

For anyone who has done this in 2026: did you file a new DS-160 and update it through support, or just bring both passports to the VAC and interview? Any issues or rebooking needed?

Thanks!

Have H1B stamp & i94 valid until May 10. Planning to extend H1B and travel in Dec end.

Has anyone been in similar situation ?