Travel to USA with a xerox copy of I797 Form

[vibhutisinha]

Hi,
I am currently in USA and have to travel to India on an emergency trip (sad demise). My Original I797 form got lost while I was in USA and I have already applied for its duplicate around 2 months back. My employer have filed for the duplicate and I only have the xerox copy of I797 form.

My Visa is valid till April, 2012 and am on L1-B.

Can I travel to USA back on a xerox copy of I797 form? I doubt that my duplicate I797 form would be sent to me in the next 2-3 weeks.

Please advice.

Thank you,
Vibhuti

[shervin143]

It is kind of taking a chance. The original approval notice is required at the POE. You may or may not have issues depending on the officer you meet at the POE. A xerox copy of th approval notice and the form I-824 that you have filed to get your duplicate approval notice might work.

[txh1b]

A copy of I797 will work fine at POE. If you need a visa, then you need the original.