Overall public sentiment towards the new US nonimmigrant visa rules is largely negative, characterized by frustration and concern over increased restrictions and hardships for applicants. Many commenters advocate for focusing on opportunities within India rather than navigating a complicated and biased US visa system. There is notable anxiety regarding the unpredictability of visa processes, even though some acknowledge that parts of these rules are not new.

U.S. Government

Immigration Authorities

Note- Its only bad for people residing in their own nation. Doesn't apply for permanent residents of foreign countries.

Kell_Galain

Announcement Link:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/adjudicating-nonimmigrant-visa-applicants-in-their-country-of-residence-sep-6-2025.html

checkvisaslots-com

For H1b holders from India, does this mean stamping in Canada/Mexico/UK/Bahamas is stopped now?

WaitingonGC

I’m a Canadian PR holder currently living in the US on H1b. Do you think I’m still qualified to renew my H1b in Canada? Will that be a problem since I don’t reside in Canada?

taikonaught

looks like people have wrong idea about why this has changed. It has nothing to do with \*visa shopping\* or exploitation. It was hard enough to get a slot as TCN anyway.  
this is basically another attempt to limit immigration/making it harder.  
As a person who got US visas from different countries, this change is ridicilous especially for specific visas since different US consulates are well versed about different visas than smaller posts. Aka toronto is extremely organised and clear about e2 visas vs lets say istanbul.  
Same goes to h2b visas. A visa officer who doesnt know much about h2b might deny you in your home country(happened to me), but another visa officer in a country where a lot more h2b's being adjucated(jamaica). Same goes to O1's, guy gets denied in Chile, gets approved in Brazil with VO saying \*why the f they denied you?\*.

Visa officers learn different types of visas on the job and how many of different types of visas they adjucate. This will have negative effect on many applicants.

Working_Muscle_6597

How about if you already have an appointment in a third country?

Kitchen-Jump4465

I’m really confused. What is meant by non immigrant? What about people with pending applications already in the US?

warmer-garden

Damn, so correct me if I'm wrong: if I currently reside in the US on a temporary student visa and need to renew my visa, my only option is my home country other than, say, Canada?

Vegetable_Impact_244

Forsaken_Reception_3

I am devastated! Now I cannot get a visa stamp nowhere at all, so I cannot leave the US, cannot see my family.

Traditional-Tea912

While you wait for someone to comment on your post, please ensure that you have included the **country** from which you are applying the visa and your **visa type** either in the title or in the body of the post. If not, please edit your post and include them.


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Puzzleheaded_Bid_690

Hi, for applications made in a country that is now not allowed, if no appointment was scheduled yet (no slots available), is there any way to "transfer" the application to another "approved" location so that we don't have to pay the fees again?

benoitroussel

I believe it applies to both permanent and temporary residents - as long as you can prove your residency. It should be fine.

Late-Psychology-6783

So as an EU citizen with a non-EU spouse, if I wanted to travel to the US with my spouse, I'd have to have my spouse go to their home country to apply for the visa instead of doing it here where they have residence, but not citizenship?

Elliney

HungryMarzipan4630

What will happen to permanent residents applying or renewing work visas

Puzzleheaded_Tea623

I have a Canadian pr but reside in us. I have an appointment next month do I except to affected adversely

So if im in Japan on a work visa awaiting K1 approval. My interview will need to be in my home country??

newHere4477

No_Equivalent_1544

so if I want to change my status from F1 to B2 I have to do it in my home country? or I can do it online and remain in the US?

No-Opportunity-4778

It's not clear if this is any different from the current policy.  It says applicants "should" apply where they have a passport or where they reside (unless they live somewhere the U.S. doesn't process visas).  It doesn't say they must apply there.  It goes on to say "Applicants who schedule nonimmigrant interviews at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside of their country of nationality or residence might find that it will be more difficult to qualify for the visa."

So, if you just look at the text, it's not mandatory.  It has always been smarter to apply where you are from or where you reside.  Doing so maximizes your chances of approval in most cases because the consular officer knows more about where you're from and visa issuance becomes less of a risk for them.

HOWEVER, the Department of State is making a stink about this, and I have already heard about a person being turned away at a consulate and being told that the consulate needed to get more guidance about the impact of the new policy.  (OTOH, I have heard of a person who applied at a different consulate and had no trouble at all).  

They might be signaling that they intend to tighten up and approve fewer visas for people applying in countries where they don't reside.  Or maybe it's all noise and won't really change much.  Until we have enough information to start seeing patterns, we won't know.

BorderCall

And what if there is no US embassy in your country!

Markoo_7

The instructions are very unclear. What happens when the spouse is from a different country?

zero0x

toodamnhotfire

There are no new rules. They’re just BS’ing you to fuel their power trips.

Kiwiatx

Immigration paralegal here. They are making shit up as they go along. A client was threatened today with having his green card yanked even though he has a valid reentry permit. CBP is banking on people not knowing their rights.

evaluna1968

Pretty scary, but CBP cannot take your Green Card away. Only a judge can do that.

thisisitfornow

For what it’s worth, the naturalization rules are written down. Basically you have to have spent more than half your time in the US over the five years before you file (three years if you can use marriage to a USC). And each absence must be no more than 6 months, or sometimes 6-12 months with an acceptable explanation and continuous ties to the US. Interestingly for this case, extended travel abroad for a US employer is one of the acceptable explanations (with a continuous US residence).

chipsdad

Came to a different U.S. 4 months a lot has changed

That is absolutely crazy. They must have been lying to you because there’s literally nowhere that says it’s 4 months now

arabchickk

Current environment is hostile but laws and regulations haven't changed. Directions and enforcement priorities have changed though. The principle remains the same: a permanent resident needs to live in the US. 

The Law says that absences of less than 1 year do not break continuous residency automatically. The usual practice has been:
- less than 6 months: welcome home
- 6-12 months: questioning your absence
- &gt; 12 months: notice to appear vs relinquish green card

In any situation, the cbp officer has the prerogative to do something else if the situation warrants it. 

For instance, coming back every 5 months for 1 week but staying most of the time outside of the US  for a few times can get your "welcome home" substituted for an interrogation... and if it goes wrong, or it is not the first time I can deteriorate to a NTA.

When you have been outside of the US for over 1 year, the burden of proof that you have kept the US residency is on you... If it's less than that, the burden of proof that you have broken your residency is on them.

MycologistNeither470

I work in immigration. It’s not true. The rule is still same - if you spend a year outside the U.S. you need to procure a re-entry permit. Due to unforeseen circumstances or work or school, it happens.

You are not recommended to stay more than 6 months outside the U.S. to avoid CBP giving you a hard time, but as long as you have ties to the U.S. that you can demonstrate, you will be fine.

Friendly reminder not to sign anything or surrender anything even if they scare you that you may have to. They cannot revoke your residency. 

I tell clients all the time: if they bring up a past criminal offense, don’t sign anything. If they hassle you becaude you travel too much, only an immigration judge can revoke your residency.

If you are out of the country for more than 6 months but less than a year, that is not loss for residency, but they cannot revoke your give you a hard time but they cannot revoke anything. They may ask you to come back for a CBP interview or contact USCIS, but at the end of the day, as long as you establish you have actual ties and residence to the U.S. 

We have clients who pursue education abroad or have to go abroad for work for periods of time, but they have a home here, pay their taxes, and have ties such as family or their employer, etc. As long ad you can prove that.

We have retired clients who maintain residence in both the U.S. and their home country and divide their time equally between both, and they are fine. CBP may try to give a hard time, but they cannot revoke.

And again, if you may be gone closer to a year due to work or school, get a re-entry permit.

Gintami

chuang_415

In dark times, those immigration agents feel so incredibly empowered. It is alarming and dangerous. Same with ICE or the police. The USA has entered a dark chapter of its history

Hot-Delivery6637

I haven't heard of this and I think looking for information to verify this would be a waste of time. We are under the Trump Admin and they are playing fast and loose just don't care. Be careful, because it's all arbitrary under this Admin.

Conscious-Pick8002

When I travelled through AUH with my work visa, I was asked and harassed with non sensible questions. Like why did I switch jobs in 2023, but had my 2022 work visa applied for 3 years with the previous employer. Well, thats just how H1B works, you apply for 3 years. But no, they wont take that answer. Bunch of stupid questions like this, took us to a separate room and made us miss the flight. And the response at the end was just like yours: "This time we are letting you go". Lol, immigration is suddenly so nice. They'll accuse you of being illegal and then be like Jesus, I forgive you.

im_nightshade

Our attorney told us this week they've been hearing an unwritten rule of 3 months. Apparently it's happening.

Front_Associate3640

During trumps first term with my green card , I never left the US.

Bubbly-Repair-1312

A while back they told me the information I was giving them didn’t match what was on my record. They told me my parents names were different I was very confused I showed them every ID I had then the officer told me that a lot of people use fake immigration documents and let me through. I think they were just trying to catch you in a lie.

TrifleHorror7326

They lie, it's how they interrogate. See if you admit to anything.

Adventurous_Turnip89



The reason they "let you go" is because they actually know it's bullshit and wouldn't hold up. This was a power trip. 

Just in case, get yourself an immigration lawyer on retainer. I did, and I am a naturalized citizen. I carry his phone number with me just in case.

IndoorVoice2025

Always remember that CBP can lie and frequently do lie. They are not there to give out correct information. They are not there to be helpful.

Do NOT trust their statements especially when it comes to anything you know is wrong. They will even call your friend or family in the U.S. and lie about what you have said.

Flat_Shame_2377

That’s not a new rule. Maybe you got a rookie officer.

FlamingoEarringo

You aren’t subject to inadmissibility grounds unless you’ve been out of the USA for 180 days, they can’t take your card without a hearing, so ask to be served an NTA that won’t be worth the paper it’s printed on.

Leading_Ring9371

I was just told basically the same thing about my wife. Except this guy says I need a reentry permit. That form 327, which says any stay over 1 year. I called consulate and they said the same. I am retiring in 5 months and am scared to death they won't let my family in. I don't believe they have any idea what is happening.

Melodic_Lawyer9634

If there was a new rule there would have a bulletin issued. You should have asked for the bulletin number. I doubt he would have provided it to you because it doesn’t exist

Shogg86

If every year you plan on being out of the country for 5 months at a time USCIS can deny you getting citizenship based off that but as far CBP all they can do is try is try to get you to abandon your green card. Now the work around to all that is to apply for a re-entry permit its costly but allows you to be out of the US for an extended period without issues from CBP and shows USCIS that you never planned on abandoning your status and puts you in good standing for citizenship. Unfortunately, you will at times get really bad Cbp officers that dont know the law and try to bully / talk down to individuals. In those instances, just yes sir/mam take your documents and continue on sometimes its not even worth trying to reason or get more info from those officers.

Firm_Till5210

[https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/after-we-grant-your-green-card/international-travel-as-a-permanent-resident](https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/after-we-grant-your-green-card/international-travel-as-a-permanent-resident)

it's 1/one year. more than apply for I-131.

NoEggs2025

Unfortunately rules and regulations don't matter at this time. His last administration, I knew my criminal record, I'd be targeted so I started doing research. I came across a law that passed in 2021 called the Child Citizenship Act of 2021. That law made it where if at least one of your parents became a citizen before you turned 18, you also would gain citizenship through a process called derived citizenship. I called multiple immigration lawyers and even they were unsure of the law.

I was 16 when the law passed and my dad became a citizen in '98. So with this knowledge of this law I went down to the Auditor's office and applied for a passport (I didn't want to get a citizenship certificate because it cost more and you can't travel with it). The workers there had no idea what I was talking about. They called their supervisors and even they were confused. Took me over a year but I successfully petitioned for my citizenship and was granted a passport. 

I say all of that to say, be your own advocate...study the laws and protect yourself because they won't. I reapplied for my green card several years before this and after that law passed and even the INS didn't inform me I was already a citizen. They were happy to take my money and send me on my way

2npac

https://www.klaskolaw.com/2025-reentry-risks-lawful-permanent-residents-after-extended-travel/

Elegant_Strength_797

It’s the first time I’m hearing this. Either way best to err on the side of caution.

CatMomma_134340

I see people here saying "they can't do that".  

Yet, what if they do. What if they make shit up, detain you, deport you. What chance of justice?

Cultural_Hamster_362

OP, how much longer until you can apply for citizenship?

mattyofurniture

I stg LAX agents know nothing. I’m a TN holder and the guy was stumped at what it was.

jansuesq

There are no new laws. This administration just creates its own laws.

Comedian_Economy

kelontongan

I would be asking for a valid copy of the new rules for my records and for traveling. They cannot enforce something there is no proof of existence.

AshamedAward5

Thered_devil94

Yep, they just made that up. No such rules exist.

timfountain4444

That rule is not available, it's invalid, it's false, it's not exist. There's no rules

GamerBeast954

I sure they are being told to scare people and to take peoples green cards away. This administration is doing whatever they feel like it. Making up rules as they go

UseRude1793

I'm a naturalized citizen married to a green card holder. Went through immigration about 1 week ago at LAX with my wife to accompany her (been a bit worried with all the immigration news) it was smooth and nothing happened other than asking us where we went, how long and why. It was a sigh of relief.

Mindless-Cress2574

They make up rules on how well they emptied their bowels that morning before getting on that poe power chair for ruling judgements out of their ass.

suree1987

Rude_Judgment_5582

So I did some research on this and even though no specific rules have changed they are tightening scrutiny. There is an EO #14159 that allows for rigorous evaluation of whether the LPR's are maintaining proper residency. There is a lower threshold for what constitutes abandonment.


Any reason they think your a political activist and risk national security you could be stripped of your Green Card.


Starting Apr 11 certain non-citizens and LPR'S must register with USCIS under a new rule tied to National security.


File your taxes as a resident and avoid claiming non-resident status.


Hope this helps.

Mental-Exchange-7269

I am an immigration attorney and ex Asylum Officer. I have family that are LPRs. The issue at hand is that a Legal PERMANENT resident has stated they intend to reside in the US. There is a sliding scale of discretion that officers at the border exercise (even at USCIS, for citizenship). 
Customs issues B1/B2 visa stays for up to six months. So what is the difference between and LPR and a visitor if the LPR spends more time outside of the country - or even a significant amount of time outside the country - and a tourist?

Sometimes officers abuse their authority, and that is infuriating. Sometimes they outright break the law, and that is also infuriating and sad. 
But ultimately each officer has to exercise individual discretion. They are asked to be both compassionate, and just; and also to be suspicious and protective. That’s a hard line to walk yall. 

I personally gave my in laws the advice to not stay more than four months outside the US as well. The law is the law. People are people. People metaphorically walk right to the cliffs edge, and we are surprised when some fall off. 

Of course, you can become a citizen after 5 short years (less if you souse is a citizen) and travel wherever, for however long you want. 

If you don’t want your LPR status revoked by an officer having a bad day, or one that is very strict and rules oriented, or one who is just afraid and angry by a system they see abused every day (it happens) - you should follow the advice the nice officer (who did NOT revoke your status) gave you. 

Unable_Regret_8838

Many TSA are been douchebags. Always have been. 

That being said. My recent interaction re-entering the US was the easiest it's been in my 15 years of living here.

Crustytoeskin

A lot of these people are dumb as shit get paid crap and don't read the actual executive orders. 


I had to read the order back to them a few times before because they were completely wrong




Know the law, even if the law is fucked up, you are still better off knowing it

InfluenceEfficient77

CBP are minimum wage employees, same level as TSA.

Puteshestvennik3

I call BS because my wife’s green card was just renewed for 4 years. It says on her paperwork that she can’t stay out the country for more than a year.

RealisticHologram

This fucking administration is making their own rules as it feels

ZealousidealAd5817

There are many people that hold green card but basically come back to the US once a year to maintain residency and government benefits ( I am not saying that is you) that might be why they are getting suspicious of a person if they see that they have been gone for prolonged periods of time

Organic_Rub3924

nicoj2006

It was almost not more than 6 months never heard any changes.

Specific_Ad914

I was watching a speach of Vice President on birthright citizenship. In that he was very clear in saying that birth right citizenship should be provided only to the children of those parents who are living in this country permanently.  

My interpretation was that He said those who are stayng illegally, on visas will all be excluded from this list. It looks like having green-card and staying out of the country could be looked on by this government as intent for temporary stay. There is no written documentation which says all of the above. Again it's our word versus theirs and cannot be proved 

I am sorry that you had to undergo something like this.

sunMoonstar_786

LAX has the worst immigration officials that I know of. ( some people say Miami is worse )

This is nothing new - I've been hearing about perfectly legal entrants being harassed at LAX for *decades*.

scylla

This is super interesting to read as my partner and I are set to go between the US and our home country equally 6 months with our conditional green cards

lumosmxima

My parents had a similar experience. They said they’d be “on warning” for next time. Next time they came, nothing happened.

PolycrystallineOne

Had a friend come in the country that had a green card and was gone for 5 months  this morning. She had no problems or trouble with CPB. Not sure what happened here or if this is a true story 

This is the only thing this account has ever posted or commented on so I’m going to call this : never happened

Sonialove8

This current administration as you can see is overstepping their powers and making up their own rules and regulations.

It has long been established that green card holders are required to maintain their residency in the US for at least 6 months during an entire 12 month period.

This basically means in theory that you can travel freely and go out and come back to the US, because you are a resident, for no more than 6 months at a time or an aggregated period counting multiple trips.

If you exceed over 6 months and last up to 1 year out of the country, you would have been considered to have abandoned your residency and your residency could be taken away. 

This is why reentry permits that allow you to come back within that year exist and are encouraged to obtain if you are going to be away for more than 6 months. 

Given that you spent 5 months outside of the country and came back, you are giving the impression that you are trying to circumvent the rules by staying less than 6 months which is very close to the threshold.

Briscoetheque

This is not a new rule. We knew about it 9 years ago when we won the Green Card. We were told that we cannot be outside the US for more than 6 months so that there are no questions and no problems. This is necessary for taxes, pension, etc.

No_Article4444

Yeah LAX sux for returning LPRs. 

Those rules wrong

Mission-Carry-887

Don’t come here, it isn’t safe for anyone!

BillyJimBob76

It’s definitely not new, I used to work in immigration and an immigrant myself I often check the INA for changes and there’s been no updates for the 6 month rule.

Ok_Fee_2615

My understanding is "6 months over a rolling 3 year period"

Not sure if this correct but will be checking before we start a Europe trip in a couple of years

LeaTN

This happened to a friend last T administration. It’s also not true. They held her for questioning for 10 hours, she refused to sign anything.

Foreign-Shift3837

Ok spread false information. Seriously don’t believe everything that’s out on Reddit especially this made up story

rckperfect02

Almost all other countries do this. If you want to claim residency you have to physically BE in said country for the majority. If you don’t you get it stripped from you and you have to start all over. If they even let you. I travel all the time. This is the way 90% of the world is.

InteractionSome8965

If I’m out for more than a month from the US I will be homeless. 🤣

Mitz_bond

This is exactly why I always have my lawyer’s number on speed dial whenever I’m going through customs back into the U.S. You never know what kind of questions or issues might come up. 

save-the-animals_

I think the best thing to do in these situations is not to argue but also not to sign anything. If they are intent on bringing up charges, I believe you are allowed to request a hearing with an immigration judge.

Practical_Caramel234

Just don’t enter from airports that are known to give you a tough time. LAX Is the worst.

AnnualLanguage991

thank you for the heads up. I will share it with my friends who might benefit from it. BTW there is a permit you can apply for that might prevent this from being a problem again and also touches on the importance of demonstrating your strong ties living here. Green cards are for people who are serious about living here. It must've been a shock to hear them concerned about a five month stay, but it sounds like they are trying to be more diligent. It sounds like it would've been more honest to say that five months is awfully close to six months, be careful. Anyway, you could've looked this up yourself but I just thought I would pop the link here for you and anyone else who wanted to see the AI summary. For what it's worth.

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+long+can+you+be+away+from+the+United+States+if+you+have+a+green+card&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;oe=UTF-8&amp;hl=en-us&amp;client=safari

Separate_Aspect_9034

gelbing

New restrictions for nonimmigrant visa applicants will require them to schedule interviews only in their country of citizenship, impacting many individuals.

US Nonimmigrant Visa Rule Changes

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