Glossary · USCIS forms
I-797 (Notice of Action)
USCIS's official approval/receipt notice. The 'I-797B' is your H-1B approval; you carry it for re-entry.
Several flavors. I-797A: notice to your dependents. I-797B: H-1B approval that includes the I-94 portion (used for status preservation during travel). I-797C: receipt notice (filing acknowledged but not yet decided — this is what authorizes work start under H-1B portability). I-797E: RFE notice. Always keep the entire I-797 set in a single immigration folder; you'll need them for any future filing.
Related terms
I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker)
Filed by an employer to request, transfer, extend, or amend an H-1B (or other employment nonimmigrant) classification.
RFE (Request for Evidence)
USCIS's request for additional documents/evidence before deciding your case. Has a hard deadline (typically 87 days).
Portability (INA §214(n))
You can begin work for a new H-1B employer the day USCIS RECEIVES the I-129 — no need to wait for approval.
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