A fresh confusion around H-1B rules is leaving some Indian employees worried about travelling outside the United States even after selection in the lottery. The uncertainty has raised concerns among workers planning routine international trips.
A social media user who claimed selection in this year’s H-1B lottery said their immigration lawyer advised against any travel abroad. The warning suggested that reentry into the US could trigger the reported $100,000 H-1B fee linked to the President’s September proclamation.
The individual is currently in the US with valid status, and their employer is filing the H-1B petition as a change of status. This means the process avoids consular processing, which is usually required for visa stamping outside the country.
According to the claim, even after the H-1B is approved and becomes active on October 1, 2026, travelling abroad may still create complications. The lawyer reportedly warned that leaving the US could lead to issues upon return.
The concern centres around visa stamping. The lawyer allegedly stated that once the worker travels abroad, an H-1B visa stamp would be required to reenter, and this process might trigger the large fee requirement.
The user expressed surprise at the advice, stating it seemed very different from official guidelines. They reached out online to check if others were receiving similar warnings from their immigration attorneys.
The situation highlights growing confusion around Trump’s H-1B crackdown. While official guidance mainly addresses visa issuance and entry after the proclamation date, many workers now fear that even basic travel could carry financial risks.
