Expired H1b visa - Germany transit visa

[gun_mad]

Hi,

I will be glad if anyone could throw some light on this query.

I am on H1 B and my visa expired, currently with new 797 petition with extended I-94 document. I have valid USA visa B1/B2 on my passport which is valid till 2015.

I am planning to go to india next month through frankfurt( Lufthansa).Do i need transit visa to transit through frankfurt airport??

Your help will be really appreciated. Accordingly i need to book my flight ticket

[txh1b]

You will not need a transit visa as you have a valid US visa.

[gun_mad]

Thanks for the immediate reply txh1b.

Does this mean that even i am on H1 B status and my visa got expired, i can still claim my B1/B2 visa to avoid Transit visa ??

Do they really care that on which I-94 i am returning to the airlines guys and what status i am holding currently ?

My only concern is they will not ask that my H1 B visa is expired and i cannot claim my business visa since i entered USA as non-immigrant.

Infact i checked with germany consulate and they clarified that since you are going back to your home country after valid stay, you do not need transit visa.

My understanding is, they do not care what status you are in and they will only care they need valid USA visa on passport if its H1B or B1/B2.

Thanks for the patience.

[txh1b]

Your status is ONLY when you are inside US. You don't have a status once you return the I-94 at the airport.

Think if it makes sense for another country to care which status you were/want to maintain upon returning to US. For all you know, you could choose to return on B1/B2 or whatever visa. All they care about is you having a valid US visa on your passport. Makes sense?

[gun_mad]

Thanks for the reply txh1b, i got what i needed from this forum. What you said is true that they don't care what status you are while leaving.

I will travel happily

[sonhura]

Travelling to India via Frankfurt with Expired H1B

Hi -

I am travelling to India next month via Germany with extended H1B. I have only approval notice I-797 valid till 2013, but VISA was expired last year. So going to India to get VISA stamping again. Can some one please guide me if transit VISA is required at Frankfurt as I am travelling with expired H1B.

Thanks.

[shervin143]

Yes, transit visa is required if you don't have a valid U.S visa in the passport. Talk to your airlines. Also, write to the German consulate and get carry their response if they it is not required.

Hi -

I am travelling to India next month via Germany with extended H1B. I have only approval notice I-797 valid till 2013, but VISA was expired last year. So going to India to get VISA stamping again. Can some one please guide me if transit VISA is required at Frankfurt as I am travelling with expired H1B.

Thanks.