US Embassy Warns: Visa Overstay Risks Travel Ban

The U.S. Embassy in India has issued a formal advisory warning Indian visa holders of serious consequences for overstaying their authorized period in the United States, including the possibility of deportation and a permanent ban on re-entry.

The advisory, issued as part of a broader immigration enforcement initiative, emphasizes that individuals who remain in the U.S. beyond the authorized stay granted at the port of entry — regardless of their visa’s validity — may be subject to removal proceedings and long-term travel restrictions.

“Overstaying your visa can result in severe immigration penalties, including deportation and a permanent ineligibility for future U.S. travel,” the embassy noted in its announcement.

Key Highlights of the Advisory:

• Strict Enforcement: Individuals who violate the terms of their visa by overstaying risk being deported and may receive a permanent ban on entering the U.S.
• Misconceptions About Visa Validity: The embassy clarified that the visa’s expiration date does not determine the length of stay. Instead, the period authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon arrival is the legal limit.
• Mandatory Registration Requirement: Foreign nationals staying in the U.S. for more than 30 days may now be required to register with U.S. federal authorities. Non-compliance could result in visa cancellation, deportation, and a travel ban.

This warning aligns with ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to crack down on visa overstays and immigration fraud. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has also launched an interagency campaign to address illegal immigration and hold violators accountable.

The embassy has urged all Indian nationals currently in the U.S. or planning to travel there to adhere strictly to their visa conditions and maintain legal status throughout their stay.