US Change of Status Approved? Here’s Your Post-Approval Checklist

First off, congratulations. If your Change of Status (COS) was approved, your new immigration status will automatically take effect on the date listed in your I-797A Approval Notice.

But approval is just the beginning. To stay compliant and get fully set up to live and work in the United States, you’ll need to complete a few essential steps, like verifying your employment eligibility, requesting a Social Security Number (if you don’t have one), and eventually attending a visa appointment abroad.

This checklist walks you through what to do immediately, before you travel, and once you’re re-entering the US, so nothing falls through the cracks.

If you prefer not to handle the process alone, we can assist you. At Deel Immigration, we have a team of experts who can help you with your applications and accelerate your move to the US.

Complete Form I-9 (for new employment)

If you’re starting a new job in the US as part of your Change of Status approval, your first legal step is verifying your employment eligibility through Form I-9.

This is required by law and must be completed on or before your first day of work.

Here’s what to do:

Let your employer know you’re ready to complete Form I-9

If Deel or your employer hasn’t already prompted you, proactively request the Form I-9 packet.

Gather your documents

To complete the I-9, you must show:

• A valid passport
• A copy of your most recent I-94 that proves your legal status in the US

You’ll find your I-94 attached to the bottom of your I-797A Approval Notice. If you’ve traveled since receiving that notice, you can find your latest I-94 here.

Complete Section 1 of Form I-9

This is your part of the form. You’ll confirm your identity and select your status (e.g., noncitizen authorized to work until [expiration date] on your I-797A).

Have your employer or authorized agent complete Section 2

This confirms they’ve reviewed your ID documents in person or via an authorized rep. You can expect them to record your document numbers and expiration dates.

Submit and store a copy

Either your employer or Deel will securely store the completed form.

You don’t need to perform any other action after your submission unless your status changes.

Sidenote for remote workers: If your employer hires you through Deel, we support remote I-9 verification as part of our contractor onboarding process. Just let us know, and we’ll walk you through it.

Request your Social Security Number (SSN)

If you don’t already have a Social Security Number, you must apply for one as soon as your new status becomes active. The SSN is essential for getting paid, filing taxes, and setting up things like housing, banking, and health insurance.

Here’s how to get it done:

Wait until your COS effective date

You can’t apply for an SSN until your Change of Status is officially active. Check the “valid from” date on your I-797A Approval Notice. That’s the earliest date you can visit the Social Security office.

Locate your nearest Social Security office

Use the SSA office locator tool to find a Social Security Administration (SSA) location near you. Most applications require an in-person visit; however, some locations offer online pre-checks or appointments.

Gather your required documents

You’ll need to bring originals of the following:

• Your valid passport
• Your most recent I-94
• Your I-797A Approval Notice
• A completed SS-5 form. You can download from the official website or fill it out at the office

Submit your application in person

Visit the SSA office and submit your documents. Remember to request a receipt for your application. You may need this for employer verification or Deel onboarding.

Wait for your SSN card

Your card will usually arrive by mail in 7–14 business days. Once you receive it, share your SSN with your employer or Deel so that payroll can be set up. Store the card safely, as you’ll need it for tax and ID purposes.

Complete the DS-160 and schedule your visa appointment

If your Change of Status was approved while you were inside the US, your status has changed, but your visa stamp has not. That means you’ll need to apply for a new visa the next time you travel internationally before re-entering the US.

To do that, you’ll fill out the DS-160 form and schedule a visa stamping appointment at a US embassy or consulate abroad.

Here’s how to prep for that process:

Wait until you need to travel internationally

You don’t need to rush into this. Your status is valid inside the US. But if you plan to leave and return, you’ll need a visa stamp before reentry.

Complete the DS-160 form

You must complete this form for yourself and each dependent who also needs a visa.

Schedule your visa appointment

Visit the website of the US embassy or consulate in the country where you’ll apply. Instructions vary by country, but you’ll generally need to:

• Create a visa appointment account
• Enter your DS-160 confirmation number
• Pay the MRV visa application fee
• Book your appointment

Check for virtual appointment options

Some consulates now accept “interview waiver” or document-drop appointments—especially for renewals or low-risk profiles.

If you’re eligible, you’ll receive instructions to mail or drop off your documents instead of attending an in-person interview.

You may still need to submit biometrics (fingerprints) at a designated location.

Attend your visa interview

If your Change of Status was approved inside the US, your status is valid, but you’ll need a visa stamp the next time you travel internationally. That’s where the in-person (or virtual) visa interview comes in.

The goal of the interview is to confirm your identity, review your documents, and validate that you qualify for the visa classification tied to your approved petition.

Here’s how to prepare and ace the interview:

Gather required documents

You’ll need to bring original copies (and ideally 1–2 photocopies) of the following:

For you:

✔️I-797A Approval Notice

✔️DS-160 Confirmation Page

✔️Visa appointment confirmation

✔️Application fee payment receipt

✔️Valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay)

✔️Two recent passport-style photos (per US visa photo guidelines)

✔️Copy of your approved petition (if provided by employer)

For each dependent (spouse/children):

✔️I-797A Approval Notice

✔️DS-160 Confirmation Page

✔️Valid passport

✔️Two passport-style photos

✔️Marriage certificate (for spouse)

✔️Birth certificate (for child)

Children under 14 may not be required to appear in person. Check with your US consulate for local rules.

Arrive early and stay calm

Arrive at the consulate at least 15–30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Bring only essential documents because electronics and bags may not be allowed.

Answer confidently

You’ll be asked a few short questions—usually under 10 minutes. Keep your answers clear, honest, and concise.

Sample interview questions the consular office may ask you:

• What is your name?
• What is your current employment?
• What company will you work for in the US?
• Have you ever been to the US before? If so, when?
• Where will you be living in the US?
• Where will you be working in the US?
• What work will you be doing in the US?
• How long do you plan on staying in the US?
• Have you ever been convicted of a crime? If so, what was the crime?
• Who will travel with you to the US?
• What is your field of expertise?
• What makes you extraordinary?

This is not an exhaustive list, but it is intended to give you an idea of the types of questions you may be asked.

Pro tip: Prepare a 30-second pitch about your job and qualifications, especially if you’re on a work visa like O-1, L-1, or H-1B.

Know how to show non-immigration intent (if needed)

For most non-immigrant visas (excluding dual intent types like H-1B), you must prove you plan to return home after your stay.

If asked about future plans, emphasize temporary intent while staying honest.

Don’t panic if something goes wrong

If your visa is delayed or denied, ask:

• Why was it refused or held?
• What documents are missing?
• Is “administrative processing” involved?
• Can a supervisor review it?

Immediately after the interview, write down exactly what the officer said. Then contact your employer or immigration experts at Deel for the next steps.

After visa approval: What to carry for reentry into the US

Once your visa is approved, the US consulate will return your passport with the visa stamp inserted. You can now re-enter the US and resume your work.

But before you book your flight, make sure you’re carrying the right documents to avoid delays or issues at the border.

Here’s what to do:

Wait for your passport and visa to be returned

Most consulates return passports within 3–5 business days, and some may offer courier pickup or mail delivery.

Carry these required documents for reentry

For you (primary visa holder):

• Valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay)
• Valid visa stamp (issued during your interview)
• I-797A Approval Notice (this shows your approved petition and status)
• 2–3 recent pay statements from the employer listed on your petition (to confirm ongoing employment)

For dependents:

• Valid passports
• Valid visa stamps
• I-797A Approval Notices
• Marriage certificate (for spouse)
• Birth certificate (for each child)

Pro tip: Keep everything in your carry-on, not your checked baggage. You’ll need to present these at the port of entry.

Review your I-94 after entry

Visit the I-94 official website within 24 hours of landing to confirm that your entry date, status, and expiration are correct.

If you see an error (e.g., wrong visa category), contact CBP immediately to request a correction.

Correcting the error as soon as possible is crucial because your I-94 record controls your authorized stay in the US even more than your visa or petition. So, always double-check it.

Once you’re back in the US, you’re officially good to go. But there’s still something that matters for long-term success: maintaining your status and staying compliant.

Ongoing compliance: How to maintain your status

Getting your Change of Status approved is a major milestone, but staying compliant is just as important. A missed deadline, job change, or overlooked document can unintentionally put your legal status at risk.

Here’s what to keep in mind after reentry:

Track your I-94 expiration

Don’t forget that your I-94 is the official record of your status, not your visa stamp or petition alone. So, always check the official site after every international trip.

It also helps to set calendar reminders 60 and 30 days before it expires.

If you plan to stay beyond the I-94 date, discuss an extension with your employer or Deel early—USCIS allows petitions to be filed up to six months in advance.

Maintain employment with your sponsor

You must continue working for the employer listed on your I-797A. If you stop working, change roles significantly, or change employers, you may need to file:

• A Change of Employer petition
• An Amendment for job changes
• An Extension if your status is nearing expiration

Contact Deel before making any employment-related changes.

Report any address changes to USCIS

Legally, you must notify USCIS within 10 days of any change in residential address. You can do this by filling out Form AR-11 online.

Keep your documents up to date

Monitor the expiration dates on your passport, visa stamp, and I-797A Approval Notice.

Prepare for taxes and payroll

If you have changed from an F-1/J-1 visa to a work visa (e.g., H-1B or O-1), you are now subject to FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare). Deel or your employer will begin withholding them automatically.

You should also keep all your pay statements, W-2s/1099s, and SSN documentation organized for tax season.

Understand dependent work and school eligibility

Spouses on H-4 or L-2 status may be eligible to work with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Your children may attend school, but they cannot work.

For any changes in dependent status, reach out to Deel or an immigration advisor.

Get settled in faster with Deel Immigration

Getting your Change of Status approved is a big win, but it’s only the beginning of your journey in the US. From verifying your employment to planning international travel, there are multiple steps to follow to stay compliant, avoid delays, and protect your ability to live and work legally.

The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Deel Immigration supports global workers and companies through every stage of the immigration process. Whether you need help completing your I-9, tracking deadlines, preparing for a visa interview, or staying compliant after reentry, our team is here to simplify every step.

Schedule a free consultation and let us handle the paperwork, so you can focus on building your life in the US.