If your B1/B2, F1, H1B, L1, O1, E2, J1, or J2 visa was revoked because of a speeding incident, you’re not the first and you’re definitely not alone.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and you were not arrested, there’s a good chance that you’re still in valid status inside the US even if your visa has been revoked.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.