Bahamas trip with F1 valid visa stamp and H1b under processing

[nandamkc]

Hi

My F1 visa stamp on Indian passport is there until 2020. I am working on OPT in USA. My employer sponsored me for H1B this year, which got an RFE, sent a response and been waiting for 2 months from then.

Can I take a close loop cruise trip to Bahamas from Miami? Is it considered travelling outside United States during H1B application processing? Will I get a consular notification instead of change of status?

Please answer if anyone traveled to Bahamas in the above scenarios.

Thank you

[immihelp]

I don't recommend traveling to Bahamas at this time.

Yes, it is considered traveling outside the US.

[rcmax]

Yes you can take the trip. All that they look for is a multiple entry US visa valid till after the cruise ends. Make sure you take your I-20 with you.