The US government is planning to impose fresh travel limitations that could impact citizens from as many as 43 nations. This initiative is aimed at tightening national security through more rigorous background checks. The countries have been divided into three categories, depending on the level of restriction. In the strictest tier, full visa bans may apply to 10 countries like Afghanistan, Iran, and North Korea, halting all visa processing. The second group includes five nations, such as Haiti and Myanmar, where partial visa limitations could be enforced. The remaining 26 countries—including Belarus and Pakistan—have been issued a 60-day deadline to upgrade their security measures, failing which they could also face partial visa curbs.

Though India is not listed, immigration attorneys are cautioning H-1B workers, F-1 students, and Green Card seekers to avoid international travel amid escalating visa renewal hurdles and tighter checks. A key issue is the recent revision in interview waiver policies. Previously, those with visas expired within 48 months could skip an in-person interview. Now, only applicants whose visas expired in the past 12 months are exempt. Consequently, F-1 students transitioning to H-1B and H-1B holders applying for extensions may require interviews.

Seattle-based attorney Kripa Upadhyay advises caution, noting uncertainty in visa processing times. Added scrutiny has also led to rising administrative processing delays, leaving applicants stuck. Moreover, US consular officers overseas retain authority to deny visas even after USCIS approval, causing further setbacks.