Can we keep H1B and B1 both at the same time for entry to USA from Canada ?

[Singhgem]

I am Canadian PR and permanently moving to Canada in June 2019. Currently I am working on H1B in US which is stamped and valid till 2021. I will be working in Canada with the same employer as my employer has office in Toronto (my payroll will be on Canada's employer). After moving to Canada, in case I need to visit USA via road (like to see my friends and family),
1) Should I get B1 visa or still can travel with H1B ?
2) If I need to get B1 visa, will US embassy allow me to get B1 and H1 visas both in open state ?

Just want to avoid border hassle due to visa status. Looking forward for expert advice.

 

[harirajmohan]

I am Canadian PR and permanently moving to Canada in June 2019. Currently I am working on H1B in US which is stamped and valid till 2021. I will be working in Canada with the same employer as my employer has office in Toronto (my payroll will be on Canada's employer). After moving to Canada, in case I need to visit USA via road (like to see my friends and family),
1) Should I get B1 visa or still can travel with H1B ?
2) If I need to get B1 visa, will US embassy allow me to get B1 and H1 visas both in open state ?

Just want to avoid border hassle due to visa status. Looking forward for expert advice.

1. Yes B1 is needed since you wont work in US anymore. Make sure you have enough documents to support your residency and employment in Canada because many move to country and immediately apply for visa which creates problem. For B1, they want to make sure you return back to the country within short period - meaning, there should be enough ties in Canada to come back.
2. Mostly they wont cancel. It doesnt matter even if they cancel H1 because its just stamping that gets cancelled and you can get it restamped when you move to US again before I797 expires.

 

[Singhgem]

1. Yes B1 is needed since you wont work in US anymore. Make sure you have enough documents to support your residency and employment in Canada because many move to country and immediately apply for visa which creates problem. For B1, they want to make sure you return back to the country within short period - meaning, there should be enough ties in Canada to come back.
2. Mostly they wont cancel. It doesnt matter even if they cancel H1 because its just stamping that gets cancelled and you can get it restamped when you move to US again before I797 expires.

thank you so much !!

 

[Cubicrootofthee]

1. Yes B1 is needed since you wont work in US anymore. Make sure you have enough documents to support your residency and employment in Canada because many move to country and immediately apply for visa which creates problem. For B1, they want to make sure you return back to the country within short period - meaning, there should be enough ties in Canada to come back.
2. Mostly they wont cancel. It doesnt matter even if they cancel H1 because its just stamping that gets cancelled and you can get it restamped when you move to US again before I797 expires.

Any idea of how long the suggested time you have to be in Canada for before you apply? Any suggestion on the documents?

 

[21Goose]

Any idea of how long the suggested time you have to be in Canada for before you apply? Any suggestion on the documents?

There's no minimum time, it all depends on your circumstances.

I applied for a B1/B2 two months after moving here. The only documents I used were my PR Card and a letter from my company saying that they needed me to go to the US head office for a meeting. However, my employer is one of the world's largest companies and everyone knows it well. So the visa interview consisted of the guy looking at my passport and letter, asking me one question (How long did you live in the US?), and then telling me that my visa is approved.

 

[Cubicrootofthee]

There's no minimum time, it all depends on your circumstances.

I applied for a B1/B2 two months after moving here. The only documents I used were my PR Card and a letter from my company saying that they needed me to go to the US head office for a meeting. However, my employer is one of the world's largest companies and everyone knows it well. So the visa interview consisted of the guy looking at my passport and letter, asking me one question (How long did you live in the US?), and then telling me that my visa is approved.

Got it. Thank you.