Permanent Ban And Deportation: US Issues Tough Warning To Visa Overstayers

India-West Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI – The US Embassy in India has issued a firm warning to foreign nationals, emphasizing the serious consequences of overstaying a US visa. Violators risk deportation and could face a permanent ban on re-entering the United States.

In a statement released on May 17, the embassy said, “If you remain in the United States beyond your authorized period of stay, you could be deported and could face a permanent ban on travelling to the United States in the future.”

The permitted duration of stay is typically specified on the I-94 form, which visitors receive upon entry to the US. The embassy cautioned that even a short overstay can lead to severe legal consequences—potentially derailing plans to study, work, or reunite with family in the US.

Travelers encountering unexpected delays were urged to contact US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) immediately to explore legal options for extending their stay and avoiding penalties.

In a related development, recent USCIS data reveals a 27% drop in H-1B work visa registrations for Fiscal Year 2026. The agency received 343,981 eligible applications, down from 470,342 in FY 2025—a decline attributed largely to a sharp increase in application fees.