New Delhi: A day after the United States Embassy in India issued a warning to student visa holders, the embassy cautioned B1 and B2 visitor visa holders and seekers that they must learn what they “are and are not allowed to do” while travelling to the country.
In a post on X, the US embassy shared a video featuring two animated characters, Nick and Neha, who sugarcoat thinly veiled threats.
“If you miss your visa or stay longer than allowed, you could be permanently banned from future travel,” Neha says in an Indian accent.
The short feature goes on to say that it is the responsibility of the traveller to ensure they use their visas “correctly”. Adding that applicants and visa holders may “learn more at travel.state.gov/visas”.
A B1 or B2 visa is a multiple-entry travel document issued by the US government, allowing individuals to travel temporarily for business, tourism, or both. A B1 visa is for short business trips, whereas a B2 visa is for tourism and covers certain medical treatments and participation in social events without receiving pay. In neither case is the visitor allowed to interview for or hold a job in the US. It generally costs $185 (roughly Rs 16,600) and does not include the cost of evidence.
B1/B2 visa seekers must now attend a mandatory in-person interview at the US embassy or consulate in India. Waivers that previously allowed applicants to delay their interview are either curtailed or lead to much longer delays in the application process. Wait times are stretching from a few months to a year for several Indian applicants.
This comes in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s stringent immigration and visa measures. The Trump administration has implemented travel bans and visa restrictions on several countries around the world, citing national security and public safety concerns. Under these new rules, more and more travellers are subjected to increased detentions and deportations at the US borders.
Not sure what your B1/B2 visa allows? You are not alone. Every U.S. visa has specific rules and following them is your responsibility. Join Nick and Neha this month in an animated video series as they explain the essential B1/B2 visa rules, so you can use your visa correctly and… pic.twitter.com/wU8A6YhlLY
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) January 8, 2026
US visa warnings to Indians
On 7 January, the US Embassy in India shared a post on X, warning international students that those found in violation of US laws may be deported and their study visa revoked.
In the past, the embassy has said that a “U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right”, and should therefore be given the proper respect.
Last week, the embassy warned those applying for or holding a H-1B or H4 work visa that violations of US immigration laws could result in significant criminal penalties.
An H1B visa allows US companies to hire foreign individuals. It is initially granted for 3 years but is extendable up to 6 years. For many immigrants, the visa is the path to a permanent US citizenship. On the other hand, H4 visa holders are dependents of H1B visa holders, and are primarily issued to immediate family members (spouse and children). H4 holders can apply for an Employment Authorisation Document if the H1B holder has an approved green card application.
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Why is getting a US visa so difficult?
As part of the updated travel rules, Indian applicants must now also attend visa interviews within the country and cannot reschedule quicker appointments in other countries, such as the United Arab Emirates or Thailand. As a result, the visa processing and wait time in India is already experiencing a severe backlog.
Indian applicants must now pay a Visa Integrity Fee of about $250 or Rs 22,500, collected in addition to the standard application fee, increasing total visa expense significantly. The new guidelines also require visa applicants to publicise their social media accounts for review in order to enhance security.
As a result, there has been a drop in F1 student visas issued to Indians. The Business Standard reported a 27 per cent decline in 2025.
Last year, there was a 17 per cent decrease in new international student visa enrolments in the US due to the tightening of visa regulations, as reported by the Institute of International Education. According to data revealed by the US International Trade Administration, the country witnessed a 19 per cent decline in international student arrivals in August 2025. This decline is particularly visible among Asian students, with India leading the drop at 45 per cent, followed by China at 12 per cent.
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Implication of US visa warnings
India is not the only country that has been warned by the US. The Trump administration has upped its visa bans and visa bond requirements for several countries. Governments around the world are now advising their citizens to travel with caution when visiting the US.
Germany issued an updated travel advisory after several citizens were detained by US immigration authorities, reported local media outlet DER SPIEGEL. Countries such as Denmark, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Finland have advised citizens to update their gender markers on travel documents as reports of LGBTQ+ travellers meeting with increased scrutiny by immigration officials increase.
(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)