Indians on a variety of visas, such as work permits, H-1B visas, study visas (F-1), and tourism visas (B-2), have received a warning from the US Embassy in India to avoid exceeding their permitted stay in the country. The warning matches with Trump administration immigration enforcement measures.
Consequences of Overstaying a Visa
- Deportation: People who stay in the US for longer than is permitted run the possibility of being deported.
- A permanent ban from entering the US in the future may also follow an overstay of a visa.
- Future Visa Ineligibility: It is against immigration regulations to remain in the US for longer than permitted and to be out-of-status, doing so may result in a future visa prohibition for return travel.
Understanding Authorized Period of Stay
– Admission Stamp or Paper Form I-94: The admission stamp or paper Form I-94 that is issued upon entry into the United States usually indicates the permissible term of stay.
-Either an admitted-until date or “D/S” (duration of status) is entered on Form I-94 by the US immigration inspector. Dates are important. If a date appears on the admission stamp or paper Form I-94, it indicates the deadline for the person to depart the United States.
Statistics on Overstays
- Over 7,000 Indian Students and Exchange Visitors Overstayed Visas: In 2023, over 7,000 Indian students and exchange visitors overstayed their visas in the United States.
- Total Overstay Rate: The total overstay rate for India was 1.58%, with 3,822 overstays recorded.
- US Overstay Rate: The total overstay rate in the US was 1.45%, with 565,155 overstay events recorded in 2023.
Visa extensions are allowed under US laws, and individuals can apply for an extension of up to six months from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is important for visa holders to obey with the terms of their visa and maintain their status to avoid any adverse consequences.
The US Embassy in India has warned Indian nationals of the consequences of overstaying their visas, including deportation and permanent ban on future travel to the US. The embassy has advised all travellers to strictly obey to the conditions of their visas and consult official sources and immigration attorneys for guidance before making travel or relocation plans.
