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Every foreign visa that enters the United States is examined by CBP (Customs and Border Protection) personnel to ensure that it satisfies all rules and conditions for entry. Indeed, if a document is shown to be in poor shape (tears, scratches, cracks, or even chip failures), these officers have the authority to invalidate it right away.
Why? If you are among those who have a damaged visa, you will need to apply for a new credential (with the cost and interview) in order to re-enter the country because border security must be strict, as it is in any country.
How CBP detects faults
The visa is scanned by CBP staff in a matter of seconds. An alarm is displayed if the biometric reading is unsuccessful: raised edge, plastic crack, or chip contact with liquids. Unbelievably, 80% of recent cancellations are attributable to physical harm brought just by leaving the card in a wallet without a sleeve.
According to the statistics, contactless technology processes nine out of ten nonimmigrant admissions; a single reading error can cause the line to lag and pose a legal risk. In addition to preventing the use of purposefully manipulated documents, CBP seeks to eliminate that bottleneck at its source.
Why can your visa be stopped?
Even if your visa is legitimate, CBP may cancel it for a variety of reasons. At ports of entry, visas that seem purposefully altered or worn (to the point of obvious damage) might not scan correctly, thus the responsible officer will need to investigate the cause.
Naturally, this means that you will have to wait a lot longer in the verification line and that you can be placed in limbo if you do not have a valid visa in the eyes of CBP officers.
How can I avoid having my visa cancelled?
The Embassy suggests using a white light to examine the visa; if the laminate lifts, there are stains, or the chip appears dull, it’s time to begin the online application procedure and make an appointment.
A valid visa may become invalid if the plastic is damaged; condition is more important than the expiration date. Similar to the first time, the applicant must fill out the DS-160 form once more, pay the price, and provide proof of ties.
Tips to extend the life of your document
Don’t bend the visa when taking it out of the passport, keep it out of the heat or water, keep it in a stiff document holder, and always have a digital backup photo on hand. These are straightforward procedures that increase the visa’s usable life and are quite simple to follow.
Can CBP deny you entry if your visa is intact?
They can, indeed. Even if the card is perfect, CBP has the right to refuse entry to any traveler if conflicting information is found. But in 2025, automated cancelation prioritizes harm that is readily apparent. Your document may still be revoked for misuse if the officer discovers a visa category error (such as utilizing a tourist visa for work) even if it is in good shape.
Will there be digital visas?
According to Apple’s most recent iOS version, U.S. passports are now the only identities that can be carried on a phone.
It’s advisable to retain your physical visa in pristine condition because the transition to digital foreign visas may take years.
With the holidays quickly approaching, taking care of your visa could mean the difference between having to make a forced return on the next aircraft back or capturing a picture in Times Square that you can post on Instagram.
