Hi Anita, thank you very much for your reply. I agree with your point. Nobody wants to feel like they just wasted time. I spoke with few other folks regarding this matter, and they suggested that I shouldn't mention my visa situation in my first emails to strangers but should bring it up early in the conversation. You are right about being transparent and mindful of other people's time.
I will start networking and building new connections. Thanks so much, Anita, for taking time to respond to my post. I really appreciate it!
Yuri