A recent account shared by an Indian couple on Reddit has offered insights into the re-entry process for non-immigrant visa holders in the United States, particularly those on H-1B and F-1 OPT statuses. The couple re-entered the US through Boston Logan International Airport on July 4, 2025, after a 24-day stay in India. Their experience sheds light on what travelers can expect at US ports of entry when returning on work or student visas.
The husband, a professional currently on an H-1B visa for over six months, described his immigration check as swift and uneventful. After presenting his passport, the officer only asked about his visa type and current US address before clearing him.
In contrast, the wife, who had just started her F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) a week earlier, was referred to secondary screening after showing her passport and I-20 document. During the secondary check, she was asked about her employment details and current address. She also presented her Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card. After a short 15-minute wait, she was cleared without any complications.
Despite the added screening for the F-1 OPT holder, the couple emphasized that the questions were routine and the immigration officers were professional. “It took a little longer for my wife, but all questions were standard. Officers were polite, maybe a little stern — but that’s expected,” the user wrote.
The detailed first-hand account was posted to help ease concerns among fellow non-immigrant visa holders planning international travel. “Reading such experiences helped us stay positive and calm while we were planning our travel,” the couple noted.