Short Q&A regarding H-1B Cap Filings and Travel Abroad

This post is written as a Q&A on common issues related to international travel while an H-1B cap filing is in process. Also there are notes on the benefit of an I-797B.

This post, beyond the paywall, will try to answer the following questions:

1. Can I travel abroad in F-1 visa status if my employer is putting me into the H-1B cap lottery registration in March 2024 where my current F-1 visa is still valid?

2. Can I travel abroad and get a new F-1 visa if my employer is putting me into the H-1B cap lottery registration in March 2024?

3. How long can I stay abroad if I do travel abroad during the H-1B cap lottery registration period?

4. What is a “consular notification” H-1B and should I try to get one? (This is the question that relates to I-797B).

5. What happens if I get married and my spouse needs a F-2 visa but I also get chosen in the H-1B cap lottery? (This is the ‘2024 is my year for gettin’ lucky all around’ question).