Many Indian nationals living in the United States on H-1B and F-1 visas are being advised not to travel internationally right now. Immigration experts have raised concerns about visa delays, airport checks, and possible trouble at immigration counters—especially for those planning short trips abroad.
What’s the concern?
There have been multiple reports of visa holders facing problems while returning to the U.S. after international travel. Some people have had to deal with long delays in visa stamping, extra scrutiny at airports, and in some cases, even temporary detentions at ports of entry. Because of these risks, immigration lawyers and experts are advising people to avoid international travel unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Who should be cautious?
The advisory mainly applies to:
- H-1B visa holders – professionals working in the U.S., especially in tech and other skilled jobs.
- F-1 visa holders – students studying at U.S. universities.
- Even some green card holders (permanent residents) are being warned to be extra careful.
- Anyone planning to leave the U.S. and return in the near future could face complications, especially at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad during visa re-stamping.
What’s causing the problem?
Experts say the reasons include:
- Increased scrutiny by U.S. immigration officials
- Longer visa processing times at consulates
- Extra documentation being asked during re-entry
- Technical glitches or administrative delays
- Some also fear that changing immigration policies or internal alerts could be adding to the stricter checks.
What should you do?
Immigration lawyers suggest the following:
- Avoid international travel if not urgent
- Speak to a qualified immigration attorney before planning a trip
- Ensure all your documents are in order — including job letters, visa approval notices, and university-related papers (for students)
If you still need to travel, be prepared for:
- Delays in getting a new visa stamp
- Questions at immigration on arrival
- Possible secondary inspection
No official travel ban, but caution is key
There is no official restriction or travel ban, but the advice is purely precautionary to avoid unnecessary problems while returning to the U.S. In short, unless it’s an emergency or a long-term relocation plan, it’s best for H-1B and F-1 visa holders to stay put for now and avoid unnecessary travel abroad.