Can a past arrest jeopardise an H-1B extension? Visa holders turn to Reddit —here’s what they were told

As US H-1B visa rules have tightened, social media platforms have been flooded with alarming posts, fuelling anxiety among netizens.

On social media, feeds are filled with posts about H-1B visas being revoked over past arrests, domestic violence charges or DUI cases, anxiety is mounting among foreign workers in the United States—especially those awaiting extensions or visa stamping.




On Reddit, one H-1B holder recently sparked discussion by asking a question many are now quietly grappling with: If arrested in past, will person still gets H-1B extension?

The user said that he were arrested in a domestic violence case in 2022 but were never convicted, released without a court hearing and later had the case dismissed. Their record was formally expunged in 2025. With an H-1B extension due, they said the wave of online posts had left them “extremely anxious.”

The user posed two questions to the community: whether anyone with a similar background had successfully extended an H-1B visa or completed international travel and visa stamping without issues—and whether others had faced a request for evidence (RFE) related to past incidents but still secured approval.

The post has over 20 comments, telling that the arrest details will be there with the embassy when one go for the renewal of H-1B Visa, even if the case is expunged.

One of the users said, "I was arrested for DV in 2025, but wife withdrew the charges and case was dismissed, but the arrest records were there. the arrest records were expunged. I went to chennai for my biometrics and interview.

I was confident that they won't see the records now....but they did... they asked me..and I gave the description. provided all documentations, and was given a 221(g) for a psychiatrist evaluation. So yes...even if the records are removed, they are always with the FBI, and consulate can access it. My medical report has been sent to consulate, waiting for the response, the site still shows refused since last many days."

Another user said, "FYI : I recently(year 2025) had a similar DV like yours. The immigration attorney advised me not to expunge it in the current scenario. You can expect 221g for sure. There is no success story if you are going to think that its one shot approval. I did detailed analysis over last few months and there is not a single soul without 221g who had prior arrest. Some people didn’t get their visa revoked (lot many people including me are there). But whoever went for stamping, its 221g. But I feel the overall sentiment is positive to cases which were dropped or dismissed unlike the DUIs which get reduced to reckless driving."