Traveling to India has become risky for H-1B and H-4 visa holders in the US. Stricter social media scrutiny and long visa appointment lines are making it difficult to return to the US without a new visa stamping starting in December 2025. Immigration attorney Rahul Reddy advises avoiding travel unless absolutely necessary.
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H-1B and H-4 visa holders: Traveling to India has become risky for those working in the US on H-1B and H-4 visas. Workers and their families may face difficulties returning to the US without a new visa stamping. Immigration attorney Rahul Reddy warns to think carefully before traveling to India to return to the US. Intense social media scrutiny and long visa appointment lines from December 2025 are making travel planning challenging.
Long Waits for Visa Appointments and Fear of Deferrals
H-1B and H-4 visa appointments in India have become unstable. Hundreds of appointments were canceled in December and rescheduled for March or April 2026. Many workers scheduled for interviews in April are still unsure whether to travel, as the possibility of deferrals remains. According to Reddy, visa holders who require a new visa stamping to return to the US should avoid traveling to India. Those who still travel should be prepared for long waits and uncertainty.
Emergency Appointments Now Difficult
The US Embassy offers emergency appointments, but their number is extremely limited. Reddy says that such appointments are currently virtually non-existent in India. Furthermore, not every family emergency or wedding can result in an appointment. Visa officers generally do not consider the need to return to the US as a reason for granting an early appointment.
The risk of getting stuck in India and losing a job
If someone gets stuck in India and loses their job in the US, finding a new job becomes difficult. The new company must file an H-1B petition and pay a $100,000 fee, which most companies cannot afford. Reddy clearly stated that routine travel, which was once easy, remains uncertain even in 2026. Therefore, it is safest to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
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