International Students and Scholars Office

The Form I-797 is your official Approval Notice and Form I-94 for your H-1B status. The top of your Approval Notice will show:

Notice Type: Approval Notice
Class: H1B
Valid from MM/DD/YYYY to MM/DD/YYYY

Your employment authorization will end on the end date stated at the top of your Approval Notice. USCIS typically adds a 10‐day grace period to the Form I‐94 at the bottom of the Approval Notice. You may remain in the U.S. during this grace period to prepare for departure. No employment is allowed during the grace period.

To re-enter the U.S. in H-1B status and resume employment, bring the following documents:

• Passport valid for six months beyond the duration of your H-1B status
• Form I-797, Approval Notice (original version)
• Letter verifying current employment from your department
• Most recent pay statements (last 3 months)
• Valid H-1B valid visa stamp (not necessary for Canadian citizens)

Your H-1B status is employer specific and your employment is authorized only with Brandeis University. You are not authorized to work for any other employer, collect honorariums, or be self‐employed. Employment with another employer would require a separate H-1B petition filed by that employer. Unauthorized employment could result in loss of status or eligibility for U.S. Permanent Residency.

If a material change is made to your position, please notify the ISSO before the change occurs as it may affect the validity of your H‐1 B status.

• a significant change (approximately greater than 30%) change in core duties 
• a change in the job location
• reduction in hours

• Salary increases
• Job titles

Section 265(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) requires persons residing in the United States in "H" status to notify the USCIS within 10 days of a change of residential address. You may notify USCIS of your change of address using Form AR‐11.