Help: H1B Visa Expired and Travelling to Bermuda

[girishrane]

Hi all,
I booked a cruise to Bermuda from Philadelphia. Our US visa is expired but I do have USCIS approval notice of extension and I94 valid up to may 2011. Will I be able to enter back in united states?
I'm worried and I almost canceled trip. I called Philadelphia port immigration department and their supervisor told me that if I carry all the documents and approval notice plus employment letter that I'm still employed there should not be any problem coming back.Bermuda do not allow H1B stamping for non Bermudans

Is it true that Caribbean states are considered confederate territory and I should be allowed to enter back in? Can someone expert please advise?

[girishrane]

Will I be able to use The Contiguous Territory Rule and Automatic Visa Revalidation from Bermuda for expired H1B and H4 visas? At least Port immigration supervisor said so after hearing my case and said just bring the new approval notice and employer letter that you are employeed.
Can someone please confirm?

[girishrane]

I and my family were able to go on Cruise to Bermuda on expired visa and enter back based on USCIS approval notice. It was pretty simple.
contiguous territory rule works

[txh1b]

It depends on the POE officer. So YMMV. It need not work for everyone at another POE. CBP can insist on a visa even for entry from Mexico or Canada after 9/11.