Consulates Revoking/Cancelling Visas for Arrests

Nonimmigrant visa holders residing in the U.S. are reporting that they are being contacted by U.S. consulate officials and being informed that their visas have been cancelled and/or revoked. These individuals are being told to report to their consulates to have their visas cancelled and have new visas issued. While the U.S. Department of State (DOS) has not confirmed this, anecdotal evidence from affected visa holders seems to indicate that consulates are cancelling/revoking visas of those visa holders who have been arrested, charged or convicted of crimes, including Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Nonimmigrants who intend to travel abroad, including to Canada or Mexico, must assess whether the DOS' visa cancellation/revocation policy impacts the current validity of their visa. Please note that we are aware of situations where affected visa holders have not received any communication from their consulate and found out about their visa revocation/invalidation through airline officials who refused to let the traveler board the aircraft. As a result, it is critical that visa holders who believe that they may be impacted by the DOS' visa revocation/cancellation policy reach out to their consulate to inquire about the validity of their existing visa prior to travel outside the U.S., otherwise they may be stranded outside the U.S. until a new visa can be issued. Additional information about the DOS' policy will be posted to our website.

For more information, contact Fazila Vaid, fvaid@masudafunai.com or 847.734.8811.