Several visa holders are reporting emails from the Department of State (DOS) reported a rise in prudential visa revocations. The move is a symptom of increased government scrutiny towards visa applicants. These prudential visa revocations are happening for both visa applicants and individuals who were granted a nonimmigrant visa without issue.

Prudential revocations are precautionary measures and are based on updates in inter-agency databases, periodic automated security reviews, or any new information received after visa issuance. The DOS has the authority to revoke visas under the Immigration and Nationality Act, but they don’t have to explain to affected individuals why their visas were revoked. Importantly, visa revocation doesn’t fully undermine a person’s legal status. These prudential revocations have impacted visa holders of numerous categories, including H-1B visa holders.

Prudential revocations can’t be challenged through federal litigation. The one exception is removal proceedings, and only if the revocation is the basis for removability. However, this exception is narrowly applied.

Individuals that receive a prudential visa revocation should refrain from travelling abroad until getting a new visa. Not doing so may result in being denied re-entry into the U.S. Individuals should reapply for their visa and plan accordingly to said visas processing time.

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