Don't travel outside US without this paperwork: What H-1B, F-1, and Green Card holders must know

Indian Green Card holders are reporting extended secondary inspections by Customs and Border Protection (CBP)—sometimes lasting over two hours. In several cases, elderly travelers have allegedly been pressured mid-flight or at airports to sign Form I-407, voluntarily surrendering their U.S. residency.

At U.S. consulates, visa processing delays are piling up. Renewals for H-1B and F-1 visas now face wait times of 4–6 months, while administrative processing traps applicants in indefinite security checks despite prior approvals.

Policy reforms are also reshaping the visa landscape. The new "beneficiary-centric" H-1B lottery system cut FY 2025 registrations by 38.6%, intensifying odds for first-time applicants. Meanwhile, the once-generous Dropbox waiver has narrowed—now available only to those renewing the same visa type within 12 months. A controversial remark by U.S. Vice President JD Vance—“A green card does not give indefinite residency rights”—has added to the unease.

Visa enforcement has become more targeted. Under Operation Aurora, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is revoking visas of those associated with groups deemed “pro-terrorist,” including pro-Palestinian activists. Applicants and employers must also download case records by March 20, 2025, before they’re purged, complicating future extensions.

Who’s at most risk?

• H-1B workers: Renewals post one-year expiry require interviews. Job switches or layoffs may lead to status loss.
• F-1 students: Must return within 5 months of travel; switching to H-1B now requires interviews.
• Green Card holders: Longer stays abroad invite scrutiny, with risk of detention or revocation.
• Elderly NRIs: Those spending extended periods in India face higher risk of being asked to give up residency.
• Applicants in admin processing: Often stuck in limbo despite clean histories.

Here’s what you must carry if you’re outside the U.S.:

For All Visa Categories

• A valid passport (minimum 6-month validity)
• Original I-797 approval notice
• A current employment verification letter (mentioning job title, salary, and dates)
• Recent pay stubs (last 3 months)
• Tax returns, bank statements, and proof of U.S. ties (like lease agreements, family records)

 Additional Documents by Category:
H-1B Renewals

• Certified Labor Condition Application (LCA)
• Copy of USCIS Form I-129 petition

F-1 Students

• SEVIS Form I-20 (must have an updated travel signature)
• Proof of current university enrollment

Green Card Holders

• Re-entry Permit (especially if abroad for over 1 year)
• Strong evidence of U.S. domicile (e.g., utility bills, tax filings, family presence)

Applicants undergoing administrative processing must ensure they have a full paper trail of previous visas and approvals.

Attorneys also stress that older case files may be deleted by March 20, 2025, so download your immigration records now. Renewals and extensions could be blocked without these.

Final advice: Travel only if necessary, file renewals early (6–12 months in advance), and keep both physical and digital copies of all critical documents.