The United States Embassy in New Delhi has issued a direct and firm reminder to Indian students holding American visas, emphasizing that the privilege of entering the US comes with strict responsibilities. In a social media post, the embassy clarified that violating laws can result in severe consequences, including deportation and a permanent bar from future entry.
A Privilege, Not a Right: The Core Warning
On Wednesday, the embassy took to its official X handle to deliver a clear message. It stated that a US visa is a privilege, not a right. The post warned that if a visa holder is arrested or breaks any laws, their visa could be revoked, they could be deported, and they might become ineligible for any US visas in the future. "Follow the rules and don't jeopardise your travel," the embassy advised. This advisory follows a similar recent warning issued to applicants for H1B and H4 work visas about the significant criminal penalties for violating US immigration laws.
Stricter Interview Rules for All Applicants
This caution comes amidst a series of stricter visa processing rules implemented over the past year. One of the key changes mandates that all non-immigrant visa (NIV) applicants will generally require an in-person interview with a consular officer. This rule applies broadly, including to applicants under 14 and over 79 years of age, with only a few exceptions.
The exceptions are limited. They primarily include applicants who are renewing a full-validity B-1 (business), B-2 (tourist), or B1/B2 visa. To qualify for the interview waiver, the renewal must be within 12 months of the prior visa's expiration, and the applicant must have been at least 18 years old when the previous visa was issued.
New Appointment Location Rules Impact Short-Notice Travel
Another significant rule change, established during the Donald Trump administration last year, affects where applicants can schedule their visa interviews. The rule requires applicants for non-immigrant visas to schedule their interview appointments in their country of citizenship or legal residency. The only exception is for locations where the US is not conducting routine NIV operations.
This change has a practical impact on Indian travelers. It means that Indians needing to travel to the US on short notice can no longer easily book a quick B1 or B2 visa appointment in a third country. This option was sometimes used during the post-pandemic period when wait times for interviews in India stretched to as long as three years due to massive application backlogs. That loophole is now effectively closed.
The combined effect of these messages and rule changes is a clear signal from US authorities: compliance with visa conditions and US law is non-negotiable. For the large community of Indian students and professionals in the US, adhering to these guidelines is crucial to maintaining their legal status and future prospects in the country.
