Valid visa but sent back from Abu Dhabi preclearance: Hyderabad H-1B holder shares 'unexpected' experience on way to US

An Indian H-1B visa holder shared a 'stressful and unexpected' experience where the person was sent back to India from Abu Dhabi preclearance despite having a valid visa. Going by the account shared on an NRI social media group, the person faced no immigration hiccups at Hyderabad, where all documents were thoroughly checked. But in Abu Dhabi preclearance, the person was stopped and called to the counter.

"They took my passport and my I-797 approval notice. Then they started asking detailed questions about my job. They asked whether I work at a client location or remotely. I explained that my role is remote/hybrid. They also asked if I was currently on vacation or actively working, and they requested my recent pay stubs," the person recounted.




After being shown the pay stubs, the officials asked about the change of employer. "I told them I had changed about 6 months ago. I also showed them my new I-797 approval with my current employer." But the visa stamp on the passport was still under the previous employer which was valid until March 26, 2026. And the incident took place on January 11.

The immigration officials asked the person to get the visa updated with the current employer. "They also mentioned that my visa is 'close to expiry' and said I should not travel without getting new stamping that reflects my current employer. I explained that I was planning to book a visa slot soon but right now there are no appointment slots available," the person said.

The exchange finally resulted in the person being sent back to India. The officials were polite but firm. They did not cancel the visa, did not stamp anything on the passport. "They simply said I could not travel to the US at this time and arranged for me to return on the next available flight. I had to collect my luggage and was sent back," the person said.

"The whole situation was shocking because I had traveled with all valid documents, including my new I-797 and pay stubs, and had no issues at departure in Hyderabad, Being stopped and sent back from Abu Dhabi was mentally very stressful, and they didn't really give me much room to explain beyond sating I need updates stamping with my current employer," the person said.