J1 to H1B. I can I travel while waiting for the last stage of the process?

[leliodm]

Hello,
I am under a J1 Visa and I am waiting for a Change of Status to H1B sponsored by my employer.
I am in the last stages of the process, waiting for the final approval which should arrive in the next 5-7 days. Then I will have to wait for the I-797 (which they say can take up to 7-15 business days).
My question is the following.
If they approve my H1B, can I travel abroad while waiting for the I-797? I am going to Italy for Christmas holidays for one week and it is likely that the I-797 will be ready while I am abroad or just back in the US.
Thank you.

[kabkaba]

That can mess up the change of status. If you have to travel, make sure your return date is such that you obtain H1B Visa using the approved petition and return in H1B status. If change of status gets approved and you later return to US in J1 status, that change of status will be voided.