What is the difference between an H-1B status and an H-1B visa?
H-1B status is a non-immigrant status issued by the USCIS. An H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by an U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. Legal status allows you to stay legally within the U.S. while a visa allows you to enter the U.S. legally. Once you enter the U.S. using an H-1B visa, you become an H-1B status holder.
Related Questions
- If I entered the U.S. on H-1B visa status and switched to another classification, am I subject to the annual H-1B cap if I apply to switch back to H-1B status?
- I am nearing my sixth year in H-1B visa status but my permanent residency application is not finished. Can I extend my stay in H-1B beyond the six years?
- How does leaving the U.S. affect my 6 years of H-1B visa status?
