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Visa holders and green card applicants worldwide are facing heightened scrutiny at U.S. entry points. With new visa processing delays and tighter security checks, travellers should reconsider their plans.
The landscape of US immigration is evolving and foreign nationals, including H-1B visa holders, international students, and green card holders, are being urged to reconsider their travel plans due to:
• Increased visa processing delays
• Stricter security checks at U.S. airports
• Reports of detention and extended administrative processing
While no country is currently on a U.S. travel ban list, travellers from various nations have reported significant disruptions. Indian nationals, in particular, are experiencing prolonged visa approvals and additional scrutiny.
Changes to Dropbox Eligibility Impact Renewals
Individuals requiring visa stamping, particularly for work and study visas, face extended wait times and heightened scrutiny. Indian nationals, in particular, have reported significant delays and administrative processing issues.
The U.S. Department of State has tightened the eligibility rules for interview waiver (dropbox) appointments:
• Previously, non-immigrant visa holders (except B visitor visas) could apply for a waiver if their visa expired within 48 months.
• Now, only those renewing the same visa category within 12 months of expiration qualify for Dropbox processing.
This impacts many visa holders, especially:
• International students transitioning from an F-1 visa to an H-1B work visa, who now require an in-person interview.
• H-1B visa holders whose visas expired more than 12 months ago, must also schedule a regular interview.
These changes have created longer wait times for visa renewals, leading to uncertainty for foreign professionals and students.
Heightened Security and Processing Delays
Visa delays aren’t just due to appointment shortages. Many applicants are experiencing extended security clearances and administrative processing, including:
• Visa refusals despite prior approvals
• Increased security checks for non-immigrant visa holders
• Processing delays lasting several months
Even after U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves an H-1B petition, consular officers can refuse the visa and return the case for further review. This can leave workers stranded outside the U.S. for four to six months or longer. Indian professionals in IT and other skilled sectors have been particularly affected by these delays.
Green Card Holders Facing Increased Scrutiny
The heightened scrutiny extends to permanent residents as well. Green card holders from various nationalities are being subjected to:
• Secondary inspections at U.S. airports
• Overnight detentions by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
• Pressure to voluntarily surrender their green cards
Who is most affected?
• Elderly individuals who frequently travel outside the U.S.
• Indian green card holders spending extended time in India
Immigration experts advise long-term green card holders who haven’t applied for U.S. citizenship to consider doing so to avoid complications while travelling.
Key Recommendations for All Visa Holders
For those who must travel, experts recommend thorough preparation and contingency plans. Employers and employees should be prepared for potential delays in visa stamping and consider remote work options from their home countries if necessary.
• Checking visa appointment availability well in advance.
• Being prepared for additional security screening.
• Keeping all documentation well-organized and up to date.
• Developing robust contingency plans, such as remote work options.
• Carefully assessing the necessity of international travel.
• Anticipating potential visa processing delays and administrative processing.
• Green card holders should consider applying for U.S. citizenship.
• Consulting with an experienced immigration attorney for personalized advice.
Final Words
With visa policies constantly evolving, travellers from all nationalities are advised to stay updated on the latest immigration regulations before making travel arrangements. Avoiding non-essential travel until visa backlogs and security measures stabilize may be the safest course of action.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/us-travel-warning-visa-holders-h1b-f1-green-card-face-delays/
