My B-1/B-2 visa was cancelled when I got the H-1B; is that normal?

Yes, it is not uncommon for a visitor visa to be affected when you transition to H-1B status. The two documents serve different purposes: the B-1/B-2 is for temporary business or tourism visits, without employment, while the H-1B authorizes you to work in the United States for the employer who sponsored you. Because the purposes are distinct, the transition often triggers adjustments to your previous immigration situation.

It is important to separate two concepts that are often confused: your status (your authorized basis for remaining in the country) and your visa (the stamp in your passport used to enter). When you move to H-1B, your basis for remaining is no longer that of a visitor, and the tourist stamp may end up cancelled or noted as no longer valid for that purpose, to avoid a conflict between the two intentions.

This, in itself, does not mean you did something wrong or that you lost any rights: it simply reflects that your purpose in the country changed from visiting to working. Even so, since every case history is different, it is worth understanding exactly what was noted in your situation.

• The B-1/B-2 is for temporary visits; the H-1B is for employment.
• Status (authorized stay) and visa (entry stamp) are different things.
• The adjustment to the visitor visa typically reflects the change of purpose.

If you are unsure about what was cancelled or how it affects future travel, it is a good idea to confirm your current situation with an immigration specialist before departing and re-entering the country.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.