Visa Revocation

Tourist Visa Revoked Under 221(i) for Past Arrest – What Should I Do Now?

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If your B1/B2 visa has been revoked under INA § 221(i), especially due to an old or dismissed arrest, you may feel unfairly penalized bu the reality is that even a non criminal or dismissed charge can trigger visa revocation under this section. A revoked visa doesn’t always mean your ability to enter the US is gone forever. We’ve helped many clients restore their travel eligibility with the right legal strategy.

Why This Is Happening More Often

Visa revocations under 221(i) are becoming more frequent as consular officers re-evaluate previously issued visas in light of new data sharing and background checks. Even if a person has not committed any immigration violations, prior contact with law enforcement, even without a conviction, can trigger cancellation. These decisions often happen without prior notice and can disrupt important travel plans.

How We Helped the Client Return to the U.S.

Our client, a respected medical researcher, held a valid B1/B2 tourist visa and was scheduled to deliver an important speech at a prestigious US conference. Just weeks before his planned travel, he was informed that his visa had been revoked under 221(i) with the cited reason being a dismissed domestic violence charge from several years earlier. He had never violated any immigration rules, and the charge had no conviction, but the State Department canceled the visa based solely on the existence of the past arrest.

After receiving notice of the revocation, the client reached out to our office. We immediately assembled a comprehensive legal and factual record showing that the dismissed arrest did not render him inadmissible and that he posed no immigration or security risk. We engaged directly with both the US Embassy and the Department of State, submitting the necessary documentation and legal argument to advocate for the reinstatement of his ability to travel.

As a result of our intervention, we were able to resolve the issue in time for him to enter the US and deliver his speech at the conference as scheduled.

If Your Visa Was Cancelled Over an Old Arrest, We Can Help

A visa revocation under 221(i) can feel like a permanent denial but it doesn’t have to be. With the right legal support, many of these decisions can be reversed or overcome through a new application or direct advocacy with the consulate.

Call our office at (305) 515-0613 or email info@messersmithlaw.com to discuss your case. We’ll help you understand what happened, evaluate your options, and fight to restore your ability to travel to the US without unnecessary delays or penalties.

Successful Cases After Visa Cancellation Due to 22 CFR § 41.122(h)(3)

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H-1B Visa Revoked at CBP for Alleged OPT Violation – What Should I Do Now?

If your H-1B visa was revoked by CBP under 22 CFR § 41.122(h)(3), especially at a pre-clearance location abroad, you may feel like your US career is over before it starts. This regulation allows CBP officers to cancel or revoke a visa on the spot if they believe you’re inadmissible, even if you’ve previously held valid status. Fortunately, these decisions can often be challenged and reversed, especially when based on inaccurate or misunderstood facts.

Why This Happens And Why You’re Not Alone

Our client, a highly skilled professional, was traveling through a US pre-clearance facility in Abu Dhabi when CBP officers revoked his newly approved H-1B visa, citing concerns over a past alleged violation of OPT regulations. CBP claimed he had engaged in unauthorized employment due to his time as an unpaid intern at a US tech company. Despite the internship being lawful and connected to his academic program, CBP treated the case as misrepresentation, triggering an immediate visa cancellation and threat of long term inadmissibility.

Cases like this are becoming more common as immigration authorities apply increased scrutiny to past student visa activity, particularly surrounding unpaid work, internships, and compliance with OPT requirements. Many visa holders are caught off guard, not realizing that a misunderstanding from years ago can derail their future immigration plans.

How We Helped Fix His Visa Revocation and Save His Career

After the visa was revoked, the client contacted our firm. We conducted a detailed legal and factual review of his prior OPT employment, collecting records that proved the internship was compliant, unpaid, and properly reported. We then prepared a legal brief challenging the misrepresentation finding.

Working directly with CBP and the embassy, we succeeded in getting CBP to reverse its initial finding. Once the record was corrected, we guided the client through the visa re-issuance process, and he successfully obtained his H-1B visa. He has since returned to the U.S. and resumed employment with the same company.

Visa Revoked at the Airport or Pre-Clearance? Let Us Help

If your visa has been canceled or revoked under 22 CFR § 41.122(h)(3), especially over OPT or F-1 history, you may still have legal options. With fast, strategic legal action, we can often correct the record and restore your visa eligibility.

Call our office today at (305) 515-0613 or email info@messersmithlaw.com to discuss your case. We’ve helped clients overcome CBP revocations and get back on track and we can help you do the same.

Visa Revoked Due to DUI – What Should I Do Now?

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If you’ve been notified that your visa was revoked because of a DUI arrest or conviction, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed and unsure about your immigration future. Whether you hold a B1/B2, F1, H1B, L1, J1, or other nonimmigrant visa, a DUI can trigger automatic visa revocation, often without a hearing or warning. The first thing to know is this: visa revocation does not always mean you are out of status, especially if you’re still in the US You may still have legal options to remain in valid status, reapply for a visa, or respond to consular requirements but time is critical.

Over the past several months, the US government has taken a much stricter approach to DUIs involving visa holders, especially after implementing the prudential visa revocation policy. Under this policy, the Department of State often revokes visas automatically upon notification of an arrest, regardless of the outcome of the case. That means even if you weren’t convicted, or if the charges were reduced, your visa could still be canceled. Many clients don’t find out until they try to reenter the US or receive an email from the consulate. In most cases, they are later required to submit court documents, undergo a medical exam, and apply for a new visa.

This has become more common with increased data sharing between law enforcement and immigration authorities, and particularly with certain US embassies applying extra scrutiny to DUI related cases. Students, professionals, and visitors have all been affected. Unfortunately, a single mistake, even a first offense, can now create serious immigration consequences. But we’ve helped many clients in this exact situation navigate the process, respond to consular demands, and secure new visas. The key is to handle it the right way, from the start.

If your visa has been revoked due to a DUI, don’t wait until your next trip or interview to find out what’s required. Call my office at (305) 515-0613 or email info@messersmithlaw.com to discuss your case. We can help you understand your options, collect the right documents, and protect your ability to live, study, or work in the US Let us guide you through this and get your status back on track.

Visa Revoked for Speeding – What Should I Do?

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If your B1/B2, F1, H1B, L1, O1, E2, J1, or J2 visa was revoked because of a speeding incident, you’re not the first and you’re definitely not alone. We’ve seen an increasing number of international visa holders and students have their visas canceled over traffic related issues, especially in cases involving:

  • Reckless driving (such as going 30 mph or more over the limit)
  • Driving without a license or insurance
  • Alcohol or drug-related citations
  • An arrest, even if it didn’t lead to a conviction

Was It Just a Ticket or Were You Arrested?

If it was just a speeding ticket and you were not arrested, there’s a good chance that you’re still in valid status inside the US even if your visa has been revoked. Many people mistakenly believe that visa revocation cancels their stay, but that’s not always true if you’re already in the U.S. and continuing to follow the rules of your visa category.

If you were arrested, even for a misdemeanor, that’s a different story. Under the prudential revocation policy, the US Department of State often revokes visas as a precaution even if charges are dropped. In these cases, the consulate may request court records, a police report, or even a medical exam, especially if alcohol or drugs were involved.

What Are My Options Now?

If you’re still in the US, a visa revocation doesn’t necessarily mean you have to leave. We’ve helped clients in your situation remain in legal status and fix the issue without departing the country. It’s important to review your I-94 and make sure your stay is still authorized. If it is, we may be able to prepare you for a strong visa reapplication when you’re ready to travel again.

If you’re outside the US, a revoked visa means you’ll need to reapply before coming back. If there was an arrest, the consulate will likely require supporting documents, such as disposition records from the court, and may schedule you for a panel physician exam if drugs or alcohol were involved. We’ve helped clients prepare these packages carefully and successfully obtain new visas, even after revocation.

Don’t Let a Speeding Violation Derail Your Plans

A single mistake shouldn’t end your future in the US but the key is acting early and strategically. We’ve helped clients with visa revocations related to speeding and minor driving incidents get back on track, both from inside the US and abroad.

Call our office today at (305) 515-0613 or email info@messersmithlaw.com to schedule a consultation. We’ll walk you through what to expect, what documents you may need, and how to position your case for a smooth recovery.

What to Do if You Receive a Visa Revocation Notice Under INA Section 221(i)

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Receiving a notification from the U.S. Department of State or a U.S. Embassy stating that your visa has been revoked under INA Section 221(i) can be alarming. Such revocations often occur when new information comes to light suggesting you may be inadmissible to the United States or no longer eligible for the visa issued to you. If you’ve received such a notice, like the one from the U.S. Consulate General Mumbai, it’s essential to understand what this means and what steps you can take to address the situation.

Under INA Section 221(i), the U.S. government has the authority to revoke a visa after issuance if they discover new information indicating potential inadmissibility or ineligibility. This can happen for various reasons, such as suspicion of fraud, misrepresentation, criminal issues, security concerns, or violations of visa conditions. Revocation under this section does not always mean permanent ineligibility, but it does mean that the visa is no longer valid, and you cannot use it for travel to the United States.

In many cases, individuals whose visas have been revoked can reapply, but the success of a new application will depend on addressing the issues that led to the revocation. You may need to provide additional documentation or demonstrate that you are not inadmissible to the United States. If your inadmissibility is based on a specific ground, such as a prior overstay or a criminal record, you may need to apply for a waiver before being eligible for a new visa.

Visa revocation is a serious matter, but it does not necessarily mean the end of your ability to visit or immigrate to the United States. With careful planning and the right legal assistance, it is often possible to resolve the underlying issues and regain eligibility. If you’ve received a visa revocation notice, contact my office today to discuss your situation. If your visa was revoked, contact my office immediately at 305-515-0613 or info@messersmithlaw.com. We are here to assist you.

Visa Cancelled or Revoked Under 22 CFR 41.122

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Visa Cancelled or Revoked Under 22 CFR 41.122

Did an immigration officer recently cancel your visa and write 22 CFR 41.122 on it? 22 CFR 41.122 gives immigration officers authority to revoke or cancel visas which they normally use in two different situations.  If a consular official believes that a visa was issued incorrectly or the visa holder violated the terms of their visa, they can revoke a visa pursuant to 22 CFR 41.122(a).  Consular officials can take this action at any time after issuing a visa.  Most commonly they will notify a visa holder by email of their intentions to revoke or they will physically meet a visa holder at the airport.  In the situation where a visa holder is applying for entry to the US at the airport, CBP can refuse entry and cancel the visa on the spot pursuant to 22 CFR 41.122(e) and instruct the applicant to return to their home country.

Why Was My Visa Cancelled?

There are many reasons why your visa was cancelled.  The most common reasons are document fraud, problems with the police, violations of status, and issues related to another failed or denied application.  The immigration officer should inform you of their reasons and give you an opportunity to defend yourself prior to revocation.  Following revocation, you should be provided with documentation which gives  you the reason behind their decision.  Ordinarily, cancellation comes with some other penalty and this will be listed on your paperwork.

How Do I Appeal a Revoked Visa?

As with any negative decision, an appeal or request for reconsideration must be pursued through the agency that issued the decision.  You should act to appeal any visa cancellation or revocation as quickly as possible.  Your chances of securing a reversal are higher the sooner you act.  The Messersmith Law Firm has helped people contest visa revocations and overcome serious immigration charges for nearly 20 years.   In most circumstances visa cancellations come with other problems like document fraud (INA 212(a)(6)(C)(i)), smuggling (INA 212(a)(6)(E)), or removal from the US (INA 212(a)(9)(A)).  If you have a similar case or would like to avoid this potential problem, contact our office through our website or give us a call at 305 515 0613. We look forward to helping you win your case like we have for thousands of other clients.