As uncertainty deepens around US immigration policies, legal experts are advising visa holders — including H-1B workers, international students (F-1), and even green card holders — to reconsider international travel.
Though India is not on the US’s proposed travel ban list, returning has become increasingly difficult due to tighter inspections, longer visa processing times, and heightened scrutiny at consulates.
Immigration attorneys warn that those traveling abroad for visa renewals or work may face unexpected administrative delays.
A growing backlog and extended visa stamping timelines have left many applicants stuck in administrative processing without clear explanations, often for weeks or months. H-1B and F-1 holders are particularly urged to reassess travel plans.
Further complicating matters, the US State Department has revised its visa interview waiver (or “dropbox”) policy. Previously, non-immigrant visa holders (excluding tourist visas) whose visas expired within 48 months could renew without an interview. That window has now been reduced to 12 months, meaning many must now attend in-person interviews — adding delays and uncertainty.
This change significantly impacts F-1 holders transitioning to H-1B status and those applying for H-1B extensions after a year-long visa lapse. These individuals, who previously benefited from streamlined renewals, must now schedule consular interviews, extending processing times.
Stricter screening measures at US airports, including secondary inspections and occasional detentions, have also become more common — even for applicants with strong immigration histories. Experts caution that visa holders can now be subject to administrative processing without prior notice.
Adding to the risks, consular officers now have the discretion to deny a visa and send the case back to USCIS for re-adjudication. This can leave H-1B workers and others stranded abroad for extended periods, disrupting both careers and personal lives.
Given these developments, immigration attorneys strongly recommend that visa holders and employers plan for potential delays, seek legal counsel, and carefully weigh the risks before traveling internationally.
