In order to maintain valid H-1B status, temporary workers must:

1. Maintain a valid passport at all times, unless exempt from passport requirements;

2. Work only for the employer(s) sponsoring the approved H-1B petition except in the case of a transfer (see below);

3. Report a change of address to DHS within 10 days of the change via Form AR-11.  Those subject to Special Registration should report a change of address or employer to the DHS within 10 days of the change via Form AR-11SR;

4. Notify their International Scholar (IS) Advisor whenever there is any change in their work (change in title, duties, or department, hours, if they are leaving the job, etc.); and

5. Apply for an extension before the I-94 card expires (in order to continue working at Georgetown).  Processing times vary from 60 days to 6 months so allow ample time for processing.  The application must be filed with the USCIS prior to the expiration date on the I-94 card for the scholar to be able to continue working without interruption. There is no grace period for foreign nationals in H-1B status after the authorized period of stay ends unless specifically authorized by the DHS at the port-of-entry.

Time Limitation
H-1B status may be granted for an initial period of up to the three years. Extensions may also be granted thereafter in increments of up to three years in length. The cumulative maximum duration in H-1B classification is six years (with limited exceptions).

Transfer
H-1B temporary workers may transfer their status to a different employer.  Before the scholar starts work with the new employer, the new employer must first file an I-129 petition with the USCIS and confirm that it has been received.  USCIS often requests copies of recent pay stubs for transfer applications so it is important that scholars continue working for their first employer until the receipt notice has been received.

Travel
For information about traveling in H-1B status, please see Travel Outside the United States.