Can we travel to US with the photo copy of I797 ?

[srikanth2ma2]

Hi,

My VISA is approved, is it OK to travel to US with the photo copy of I797 petition? Consulate did not return my Original petition they have take my petition and support docs at the time of interview. They just returned the passport with VISA stamped. i have sent email to the VFS center but consulate did not reply to my email, waiting for that.....


Thanks
Sree

[shervin143]

Advisable to get the original back from the consulate and carry it with you when you enter U.S. Usually they will return the original I-797. Not sure why they kept it with them. Instead of writing to VFS, write a letter directly to the consulate. If you still don't get it, then check with the employer to see of they have the courtesy copy of the approval notice. If nothing woks out, then travel with the photo copy. You will have to explain the situation to the officer at he POE when you don't have your original I-797 with you. Keep copies of the letters send to consulate for your records to show at the POE.

[kaluram]

@srikanth2ma2 Shervin's reply is spot on. I can assure you though that I have travelled back with a copy and gotten through with no problem. YMMV. I was in the exact same shoes as you were with the embassy keeping my I797 and not returning it in spite of my emails to them. Keep the print out of the emails, get a copy of the I797 (they didn't ask me for the I797 at the port of entry though) since I had the visa from my current employer on my passport.

[srikanth2ma2]

Hi All

Thanks for the reply, i am trying to get my Original Petition from the Consulate and VFS forwarded my email to the consulate, i did not get any email response from the consulate at. I am not sure why they still kept my docs and not returning to me.

Hi kaluram,

could you please tell me what other documents we need to show along with Copy of I797 form?
what questions i might expect at POE, please help. I just have all the copies of employer documents.


Thanks
Srikanth

[amitbali]

Hi,

I am in the same situation - please let me know did you hear back from consulate and your experience on this situation.

Thanks for help.

Amit

Hi All

Thanks for the reply, i am trying to get my Original Petition from the Consulate and VFS forwarded my email to the consulate, i did not get any email response from the consulate at. I am not sure why they still kept my docs and not returning to me.

Hi kaluram,

could you please tell me what other documents we need to show along with Copy of I797 form?
what questions i might expect at POE, please help. I just have all the copies of employer documents.


Thanks
Srikanth

[[email protected]]

I am in the same position. Officer took my original I797 and didn't return back. I haven't received with passport. How I will get that back. What is the process? I have written several emails and called many times, but they are not giving appropriate answers. Quick response will be highly appreciated.

Can I travel to the US with a photocopy and email proofs?

[rkk09]

Hi,
With the help of Approval notice photo copy you can travel.. At the time of Port of Entry, if they ask your Approval notice, you may show Photo copy of Approval notice.
Thanks