CBP (Customs and Border Protection) officers check each and every foreign visa that enters the United States, one by one, to verify that they fully meet all the conditions and requirements to access the country. And yes, these officers are authorized to immediately cancel any document presented that is in poor condition (tears, scratches, cracks or even chip failures).
Why? Because border security must be airtight, as in every country, and if you are one of those people who has a damaged visa, you will have to apply for a new credential (including cost and interview) if you want to re-enter the country.
How CBP detects faults
CBP personnel scan the visa in seconds. If the biometric reading fails, an alert appears: lifted edge, crack in the plastic, chip contact with liquids. And the figure is alarming: 80% of recent cancellations are due to physical damage caused by keeping the card in a wallet without a case.
By the numbers: nine out of ten nonimmigrant entries are processed with contactless technology; a single reading error is enough to slow down the line and create a legal risk. CBP wants to cut off that bottleneck at the root and, at the same time, deter the use of documents that have been intentionally altered.
Why can your visa be stopped?
CBP can cancel your visa (even if it is valid) for many reasons. Visas that appear intentionally altered or worn (to the point of being visibly damaged) may not read correctly at ports of entry, which means the officer in charge will have to find out why your visa is not scanning properly.
And of course, this implies two things: the first is that it takes you much longer in the verification line, and the second is that you could be left in limbo without a visa that CBP officers consider valid.
How can I avoid having my visa cancelled?
The Embassy recommends checking the visa under white light: if the laminate lifts, if there are stains, if the chip looks dull… it’s time to start the online process and schedule an appointment.
Condition matters, not the expiration date: a valid visa can be rendered invalid if the plastic is damaged. The applicant must complete the DS-160 form again, pay the fee, and demonstrate ties, just like the first time.
Tips to extend the life of your document
Store the visa in a rigid document holder; avoid exposing it to heat or water; do not bend it when removing it from the passport; and always carry a digital backup photo just in case. These are simple steps but they extend the useful life of the visa, and they’re very easy to follow.
Can CBP deny you entry if your visa is intact?
Yes, they can. CBP retains the authority to deny entry to any traveller if inconsistent information is detected, even if the card is flawless. However, in 2025, automatic cancellation focuses on visible damage. If your document is in good condition but the officer finds a visa category error (for example, using a tourist visa for work), they can still revoke it for misuse.
Will there be digital visas?
For now, the only identifiers that can be carried on a phone are U.S. passports, as Apple specified in its latest iOS update.
The shift to foreign digital visas may take years… so it’s best to keep your physical visa in perfect shape.
The holidays are just around the corner, so taking care of your visa will be the difference between snapping a photo in Times Square worthy of your Instagram or a forced return on the next flight back.