H-1B Visa: India not on US travel ban list, but H-1B, F-1 visa holders still face challenges returning; more details here |

Amid increasing uncertainty surrounding US immigration policies, legal experts are strongly advising visa holders—including H-1B workers, international students (F-1), and even green card holders—to carefully reconsider any travel outside the country. While India is not included in the US’s proposed travel ban list, returning to the US may prove challenging due to heightened scrutiny at consulates, extended visa processing times, and stricter inspections at airports. Immigration attorneys warn that individuals leaving the US for visa renewals or work-related travel could face unexpected delays or administrative hurdles upon re-entry.
According to reports, a major concern for travelers is the increasing backlog and delays in visa stamping at US consulates overseas. Many individuals traveling for visa renewals are experiencing extended processing times, often held up in administrative review without clear explanations. Legal experts advise visa holders, particularly those renewing H-1B or F-1 visas, to reconsider travel plans before leaving the US.
In addition, extreme vetting measures, including secondary inspections and even detentions at US airports upon return, have become more common.
According to reports, the US State Department has recently revised its guidelines for visa interview waivers, commonly known as “dropbox” applications. Previously, individuals with a non-immigrant visa (excluding visitor visas) that expired within the past 48 months could renew it without an interview. However, this eligibility period has now been reduced to just 12 months. As a result, more applicants will be required to undergo an in-person interview, making the visa renewal process lengthier and more complex.
Also read: Donald Trump administration eyes travel bans for 43 countries: Is India on the list?

This policy shift has profound implications, particularly for individuals transitioning from an F-1 student visa to an H-1B work visa, as well as those applying for an H-1B extension if their previous visa expired more than a year ago. Previously, many such applicants benefited from interview waivers, allowing for a more streamlined visa renewal process. However, with the updated requirements, these individuals must now schedule an in-person interview at a US consulate, adding an extra layer of complexity and potential delay to their visa approval timeline.
The tightening immigration policies mean that even individuals who have had multiple visa approvals in the past may now face administrative processing, delaying their return indefinitely.
Also read: UK’s new ETA Rule: Will it affect Indian travellers?
It is also reported that consular officers have the authority to refuse a visa and return the case to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for re-adjudication. This could leave H-1B employees and other visa holders stranded outside the US for months, disrupting work and personal lives.
Due to these risks, immigration experts highly advise visa applicants and their employers to have contingency plans in place for potential travel delays.