An H-1B holder is facing a serious problem due to ongoing consular appointment delays. Your original January 2026 appointment in India has now shifted to December 2026. This sudden change has created uncertainty around your travel plans.
Wedding travel raises risk
You need to travel to India in February for a family wedding. The fear is not the travel itself but the risk of getting stuck in India. Many H-1B holders have faced this exact situation recently.
Others already stranded
You should know this is not an isolated case. Several H-1B visa holders travelled to India only to see their appointments pushed further. They were left unable to return to the US for months.
L-2 entry plan under scrutiny
You are now considering re-entering the US on an L-2 visa after travel. Immigration experts have raised serious red flags about this option. They warn that this move carries long-term risks.
Risk of losing H-1B status
If you enter the US on an L-2 visa, you automatically give up your H-1B status. You should not treat this as a temporary workaround. Switching visa categories is not easily reversible.
Restarting H-1B is difficult
Returning to H-1B status later would require a fresh petition. Your employer would need to start the process again. Approval is not guaranteed and timelines remain uncertain.
Advice to avoid travel
Experts have strongly advised you to delay or skip the wedding. While this is difficult, it is safer than risking your legal status in the US. Long-term work authorisation matters more.
Legal guidance is essential
You must consult an immigration attorney before making any decision. You should also confirm whether your employer will support a future H-1B filing. Acting without professional advice can cause permanent damage.
