Washington, D.C., USA: Everything seemed in order—the visa was stamped, the client was on board, and the job offer had been accepted. However, a common yet often unspoken issue surfaced: the work location listed on the visa didn’t match the actual job site.

One such individual in India faced this exact situation. Though they had a confirmed H-1B visa and a legitimate offer from a U.S. consulting firm, they were told to travel first and apply for the amendment upon arrival.

The client had already conducted a thorough interview and provided an official letter, but the I-797 approval notice mentioned a different work location than where the individual would actually be placed.

An LCA had been filed for the correct location, but the H-1B amendment had not yet been submitted. Understandably, the question arose—was it safe to travel in this situation? Would the CBP raise concerns at the port of entry?

While some have made it through under similar conditions, outcomes vary based on the officer at the border, the questions asked, and how well the documentation stands up to scrutiny.

Though regulations don’t explicitly ban travel before an amendment is filed, this mismatch in work location falls into a risky gray area—potentially leading to delays, suspicion, or intense questioning at the airport.

Ensuring full compliance from the start is key. Having everything aligned not only secures the job but also brings the confidence that everything is legally sound.