The United States Embassy in India has issued a strong advisory urging foreign nationals to strictly comply with the terms of their U.S. visas, warning that overstaying even briefly can result in deportation and potentially a lifetime ban from re-entering the country.
The announcement, posted by the embassy on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, emphasized the legal risks of remaining in the United States beyond the authorized period. “If you remain in the United States beyond your authorised period of stay, you could be deported and could face a permanent ban on travelling to the United States in the future,” the post stated.
Visitors to the U.S. are typically informed of their permitted stay duration through the I-94 form, which is issued upon entry. The embassy stressed that overstaying, regardless of how short, can jeopardize future opportunities for studying, working, or reuniting with family in the U.S.
In cases of unavoidable delays, travelers are advised to contact the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) immediately to explore lawful options for extending their stay without incurring penalties.
Legal Developments on Deportation Policies
In a related development, a federal appeals court has recently blocked a controversial deportation rule from the Trump era. This regulation had allowed the U.S. to expel migrants to countries other than their country of origin without prior notice or the chance to seek protection against persecution or torture. According to CNN, the court’s decision marks a significant change in how immigration enforcement is applied.
Reminder on Mandatory Registration for Long-Term Visitors
Additionally, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has issued a reminder regarding the Alien Registration Act. All foreign nationals staying in the U.S. for more than 30 days are required to register with the federal government. The deadline for registration was April 11. Failure to comply can result in criminal charges, fines, imprisonment, or a combination of these penalties.
Drop in H-1B Visa Registrations
Meanwhile, data from USCIS indicates a notable decline in H-1B visa registrations for Fiscal Year 2026. The number of eligible registrations dropped to 343,981 — a 27% decrease from the 470,342 registrations recorded for FY 2025.
This downturn is believed to be connected to recent changes in the visa application process, including a substantial fee hike. Under the Biden administration’s new policy, the registration fee for H-1B visas rose from $10 to $215.
The embassy’s warnings and the ongoing changes in immigration policies highlight the importance of staying informed and compliant with U.S. immigration laws for all international travelers and workers.