UK Transit: F-1 to H-1B (unstamped)

[rahul321]

Hi,

I'm traveling to India on BA via with a stopover in London for a few hours.

I have an unexpired F-1 visa stamped in my passport, however I'm no longer
in F-1 status. I got the approval (I797) for an H-1B about 1.5 years ago, and I'm going back to India to get in stamped for the first time.

Despite my status having changed, will my unexpired F-1 visa suffice to get me
through immigration in London without a transit visa?

Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks.
-Rahul

[txh1b]

Your unexpired visa will serve your purpose for travel without a transit visa irrespective of what status you hold.

The term "status" applies only when you are on US soil. No matter what visa you are on, the moment you leave US soil, you do NOT hold a status as the I-94 is returned. So, it does not matter if your status is F1 or H1, all that matter is a valid visa.

Same with B1/B2 visitors as well. When they return from US, they do not hold a status but just a valid visa and they get past without transit visa.

This is my logic based on my understanding alone.

[kghose]

Did this work?

Hi Rahul,

I'm in the exact same situation and was wondering if all went well for you? i.e. did you need a DATV for you London changeover on the way back?

Thanks
-Kaushik