'Returned to the US 3 days before visa expiry': Indian H-1B holder shares what happened next

An Indian H-1B worker returned to the US on July 28, three days before the visa expiry on July 31, after traveling to India on June 28.

The worker's H-1B extension, filed in March under regular processing, was pending; they showed the receipt notice to a CBP officer at Seattle Port of Entry.

The CBP officer took the worker for secondary inspection, where they were admitted only until August 10, 2026, with no explanation provided.

Immigration experts advise the visa holder to inform the employer's attorney and upgrade to premium processing to get the extension resolved before the new date.

CBP officers cannot grant a stay on a pending petition; the 10-day grace period is legally permitted.