Rumors about an executive order that bans the entry H1b holders around.

[praveen07cse]

Did any one successfully crossed Canada to US border through AVR(expired Visa but valid I-797) after the new EO?

 

[monika.akade]

Its effective from midnight (Jun 24 12:01am). And yes it doesnt affect avr guys. Check with your company too.

Thanks Harirajmohan. i'm checking with my company as well. our HR person contacted immigration team & waiting for reply. i ll keep all posted if i hear anything.

Thanks again for your help

 

[harirajmohan]

Did any one successfully crossed Canada to US border through AVR(expired Visa but valid I-797) after the new EO?

yes check the other page. Today one of our forum members travelled. No issues in the last few days till today.

 

[DEEPCUR]

That was the reason, H4 is invalid once you (H1) moves out of the country.

will you be required to take a U turn if you are denied entry? Or they just gave a warning and asked to get visa from next time?

Also, would you have to mention the entry denial in DS160 for the question where they ask have you ever been refused entry to US or any country? does it have negative impact in future entries with other visas?

 

[DEEPCUR]

Was warned and asked to get a B1/B2. Was also told that she would be denied if she tried to enter on H4.
They take notes in their system. When we handed over B1/B2 after a few months....they said...we were now good and gave a new I-94.

thank you. so entering with B1/B2 also means H4 EAD becomes void and spouses won't be able to work for a US company right?

 

[dry.00]

Hi everyone. I'm on F-1 OPT in the US right now, and my sponsor will file for H-1b in a few months (university).
Can I file for change of status to H-1b in the US and commute from Windsor, ON via AVR?
I've been looking up AVR recently, but I was wondering if it's possible to re-enter the US using F-1 visa while on H-1b status

 

[suemon]

Hi everyone. I'm on F-1 OPT in the US right now, and my sponsor will file for H-1b in a few months (university).
Can I file for change of status to H-1b in the US and commute from Windsor, ON via AVR?
I've been looking up AVR recently, but I was wondering if it's possible to re-enter the US using F-1 visa while on H-1b status

Yes. I am in the same situation (expired F1 visa), COS from f1 to h1b last year, and have been commuting using AVR many times. It is OK.
The only thing is that not every agent at the border gate knows this rule, and sometimes you will be sent upstairs for document check (about 1 out of 3 times for my first few trips). Don't worry, they know their stuff, and will let you go. When my travel shows a pattern, no question was asked. I think someone upstairs made a note on my file. It became super smooth after then.

If AVR remains unaffected by the ban, you show them the expired F-1 visa and your i797 it will be fine.

As for the new EO ban, I hope there will not be any problem. I crossed the border using AVR today OK. When I asked the agent whether I would still be able to cross after tomorrow, the agent did not give a direct answer. It seems that they are still unsure... I am a bit worried that it is going to be a case by case thing. Please share the experience if anyone is also going to use AVR to commute for the rest of the year. Thanks in advance.

 

[dry.00]

If AVR remains unaffected by the ban, you show them the expired F-1 visa and your i797 it will be fine.

Thanks!
My F-1 visa is valid until 2023 and OPT is valid until June 15, 2021.
Can I use AVR to cross border commute until June next year? Or can I do this for 2-3 years?

 

[dry.00]

Yes. I am in the same situation (expired F1 visa), COS from f1 to h1b last year, and have been commuting using AVR many times. It is OK.
The only thing is that not every agent at the border gate knows this rule, and sometimes you will be sent upstairs for document check (about 1 out of 3 times for my first few trips). Don't worry, they know their stuff, and will let you go. When my travel shows a pattern, no question was asked. I think someone upstairs made a note on my file. It became super smooth after then.



As for the new EO ban, I hope there will not be any problem. I crossed the border using AVR today OK. When I asked the agent whether I would still be able to cross after tomorrow, the agent did not give a direct answer. It seems that they are still unsure... I am a bit worried that it is going to be a case by case thing. Please share the experience if anyone is also going to use AVR to commute for the rest of the year. Thanks in advance.

Ah good to know.
Did you commute everyday (Mon -Fri)?

 

[zaid.ahmed23]

Hello everyone,

I have been following this thread closely since since the past couple of days. I am currently in Toronto, Canada (landed on 16th June) to activate the PR. Currently under isolation. I am planning to fly back into US through Pearson Airport in the first week on July. Will be using AVR to cross the border.

Reading through all the posts and different discussion links, it is still a big question if AVR can be used or not. The only way is to wait for now and see if others are able to do the same.

 

[zaid.ahmed23]

Good luck. How many days do you still have in quarantine?

Will end on June 29th midnight. Will be free to leave on June 30th.

 

[kubernetes]

Hello everyone,

I have been following this thread closely since since the past couple of days. I am currently in Toronto, Canada (landed on 16th June) to activate the PR. Currently under isolation. I am planning to fly back into US through Pearson Airport in the first week on July. Will be using AVR to cross the border.

Reading through all the posts and different discussion links, it is still a big question if AVR can be used or not. The only way is to wait for now and see if others are able to do the same.

Do you have a valid Visa Stamp in your passport or an expired one?

 

[zaid.ahmed23]

Do you have a valid Visa Stamp in your passport or an expired one?

I'll be using AVR as mentioned. So I have an expired visa stamp on my passport, but an I-797A document with updated I-94.

 

[HoustonRodeo]

I called CBP at Pembina, ND and officer clearly said as far as I-797 is valid, EO will not apply and AVR can be used.

 

[HoustonRodeo]

I called CBP at Pembina, ND and officer clearly said as far as I-797 is valid, EO will not apply and AVR can be used.

I will call other CBP locations i.e. Detroit, Vancouver etc to verify.