US visa can be revoked even after approval, warns embassy: 5 mistakes that can get F‑1 students deported
The US Embassy in India has issued a stern advisory: Even after you've secured a visa, your stay is neither guaranteed nor untouchable. They confirmed that visa monitoring continues
post‑approval
—and rule‑breaking can lead to revocation and deportation.
This warning comes amidst a crackdown on immigration and tighter scrutiny of student activities, including academic enrolment, social media use, and any run-ins with the law. Here are five key mistakes that can cost students their US visa.
Skipping classes or leaving your course without notifying
If you drop out, skip classes, or quit your programme without alerting your school, your F‑1 status can be terminated—which means your visa can be revoked and future US visas denied.
Tip:
Stay enrolled full‑time. Keep in close contact with your Designated School Official (DSO) if your plans change.
Violating US laws—even 'minor' ones
You might think a traffic fine or minor arrest isn't a big deal. Think again. In 2025, several Indian students were deported over misdemeanours such as driving without a licence or DUI incidents. Even a parking ticket may trigger SEVIS termination.
Tip:
Follow all local laws carefully. Remember that interactions with law enforcement—even over trivial matters—can jeopardise your visa.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Đây có thể là thời điểm tốt nhất để giao dịch vàng trong 5 năm qua
IC Markets
Tìm hiểu thêm
Undo
Social media missteps—old accounts tracked
You must list all social media usernames and handles from the last five years on the DS‑160 form. Omitting accounts increases the risk of rejection or future ineligibility. Worse, posting politically sensitive content—like pro‑Palestinian views—can trigger visa revocation under new 'catch and revoke' policies.
Tip:
Disclose every account. Make your profiles review-ready, and remove or archive any politically charged posts.
Engaging in political activism or protests
In early 2025, numerous student visas were revoked after peaceful campus protests—mainly about Gaza—under alleged terrorism/security grounds. Prominent cases also involved travel by masked immigration officials to arrest activists at havens like Columbia and Tufts.
Tip:
Avoid campus protests or public dissent. Stay aware of evolving rules about campus expression.
Overstaying your permitted time
Even slight overstays matter. Reports suggest more than 4,700 student visas were revoked in early 2025, with many associated with overstays or unlawful presence.
A rise in revoked SEVIS records led to fear, court filings, and uncertainty among students.
Tip:
Track your I‑20 and SEVIS dates. File early for extensions and consult your DSO if your plans shift.
The bigger picture
Student visa approvals have plunged by about 27% between March and May 2025, with only 9,900 F‑1 visas issued to Indians compared to nearly 15,000 in 2023.
US universities could lose up to US$1 billion in revenue due to these policy changes and declining enrolments.
The trend reflects a larger 'privilege‑not‑right' doctrine under the Trump administration's second term—putting student travel and stay under continual scrutiny .
TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us
here
.
Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
35 minutes ago
- Time of India
Is return to UAE possible after deportation? Everything to Know about laws, process, and exceptions
A deported foreigner may apply to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship to lift the deportation order and seek permission to return to the UAE/ Representative Image What Is Deportation? Deportation refers to the legal removal of a non-citizen from a country. In the UAE, deportation is a serious measure that applies to foreign nationals who commit certain offenses or are deemed a threat to public safety, security, or morals. The process is enforced under strict legal provisions and, once executed, can permanently bar the individual from re-entering the country unless an exemption is granted. There are two main types of deportation in the UAE: Judicial (Legal) Deportation Administrative Deportation Each type is governed by different laws, authorities, and procedures, which determine whether a person is permanently expelled from the country, the possibility of return, and how appeals can be made. Judicial Deportation: Court-Ordered Expulsion Based on Criminal Conviction Judicial deportation is issued by a court after a foreign national is convicted of a crime. This type of deportation is governed by Article 121 of Federal Law No. 3 of 1987 (UAE Penal Code), as amended by Federal Law No. 34 of 2005 and further amended by Federal Decree-Law No. 7 of 2016. What Article 121 States: A foreign national must be deported if convicted of a felony (serious criminal offense) for which a custodial punishment (i.e., prison sentence) is imposed. Mandatory deportation also applies to crimes involving sexual assault or related offenses. In other misdemeanors (less serious offenses), the court has discretion to: Issue a deportation order Replace the prison term with deportation Allow the individual to remain, depending on the specific case This means that for serious crimes like drug trafficking, rape, or violent assaults, deportation is not optional, it is automatically imposed by law. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Anne Hegerty And Her Partner, Who You Will Easily Recognize Sport Pirate Undo In contrast, for minor offenses such as bounced cheques or verbal disputes, the decision is up to the court's assessment. Administrative Deportation: Authority-Issued Expulsion for Public Interest Administrative deportation is not tied to a criminal conviction. It is executed by competent government bodies when a foreign national is deemed a threat to public safety, morals, or health, or lacks sufficient means of living. This type of deportation is issued under: Ministerial Decision No. 360 of 1997 (Executive Regulations of Law No. 6 of 1973 on Entry and Residency of Foreigners) As amended by Decree Law No. 17 of 2017 Who Has the Power to Order Administrative Deportation? The Federal Public Prosecutor or his legal representative The Chairman of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) or his authorized representative Even if the foreign national holds a valid visa or residency permit, a deportation order may still be issued if deemed necessary for: Threats to public safety, public morals, public health, or national security Lack of apparent means of living Other discretionary reasons considered to be in the public interest The deportation order may also include dependents of the individual, such as a spouse or children, if they rely on that person for financial support. Even minors can be deported under judicial deportation if deemed necessary by the court. For example, repeat juvenile offenders involved in theft or violence may face expulsion, particularly if their actions threaten public order. Institutional Authority: The Role of ICP Under Federal Decree Law No. 3 of 2017, all powers and responsibilities related to: Nationality Passports Entry and Residency of Foreigners ...originally under the Ministry of Interior, are now transferred to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (now known as ICP). The ICP exercises full legal jurisdiction to manage deportation cases, entry permits, and related matters as part of its national mandate. Execution of Deportation and Financial Obligations Once a deportation order, judicial or administrative, is finalized: Once a person is deported, they are added to an electronic blacklist used by UAE immigration systems They are removed from the UAE, often after completing any prison sentence or paying a fine Illegal return, including attempts using false identities or forged passports, is a criminal offense and strictly monitored. UAE law enforcement collaborates with international security partners, airlines, and travel agencies to prevent re-entry by blacklisted individuals Expenses of Deportation (As per Law by Decree): According to Article 17, the Chairman of the Federal Authority may direct that deportation-related costs be recovered from: The deported person's own funds, if available The employer, if in violation of labor or residency law Otherwise, the government (ICA) will cover the costs Grace Period for Settling Interests in the UAE A deported individual may have business dealings, employment, properties, or family responsibilities that require time to resolve. Under the law: A grace period may be granted to settle personal or financial matters This is subject to the approval of the ICP The individual must submit a financial guarantee (bail) The maximum period allowed is three months This window is not automatic, it must be requested and is considered on a case-by-case basis. Can Deportation Be Lifted or Cancelled? Yes. A foreigner who has been deported may, in certain cases, apply for special permission to return to the UAE. This applies to both judicial and administrative deportations, though not all applications are accepted. Legal Basis for Re-entry: Article 18 of Federal Law by Decree No. (29) of 2021 concerning Entry and Residence of Foreigners states: A foreigner who has beendeported may not return to the UAE unless he obtains special permission from the Chairman of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP). Application Process: Submit a formal request to the naturalization and residency department of the relevant emirate Include: Details of past residency Reasons for original deportation Justifications for returning Changes in personal or legal circumstances Supporting documents (employment offers, family ties, rehabilitation records, etc.) Alternatively, the individual may appoint a legal representative or lawyer to handle the process. Dubai-Specific Process: In Dubai, applications for lifting deportation can be submitted online via the Public Prosecution's website. A special legal committee reviews each case and makes a decision based on: Severity of the original offense Whether the crime was intentional or first-time Applicant's behavior before and after deportation Any new risks posed to public safety There are no fixed requirements for what documents must be submitted, but stronger supporting evidence increases the chances of approval. This content is for general awareness only.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
8 illegal Bangladeshi immigrants detained in Gurugram, to face deportation
Gurugram, Jul 25 (PTI) Eight Bangladeshi nationals have been detained here as part of an ongoing drive to identify illegal immigrants and they will be deported, police said on Friday. Some Indian and Bangladeshi identification documents were recovered from these people, they said. As part of the drive to identify illegal immigrants, police are vetting identities of domestic workers, street vendors, tenants and people living in slums and construction sites. Eight Bangladeshi citizens who were staying illegally in Gurugram have been identified and detained under the Foreigners Act, 1946, police said. Apart from Bangladeshi identity documents, some Indian documents were also recovered from them. They obtained Aadhaar cards and other Indian documents by showing local addresses of Gurugram. Most of them used the addresses of their rented houses, police said. They said strict instructions have been given to landlords in Gurugram to complete police verification of their tenants before renting houses to them. According to police, many illegal migrants have now gone underground. In the absence of valid documents, they are moving towards rural areas or other cities. view comments First Published: July 25, 2025, 14:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Haryana schools to remain shut tomorrow due to CET exams: Check details here
The Haryana government has ordered the closure of all schools on Saturday, July 26, as part of a sweeping set of measures to ensure the smooth and fair conduct of the Common Eligibility Test (CET) 2025, scheduled for July 26 and 27 across the state. Over 13.48 lakh candidates are set to appear for the examination for Group-C recruitment under the Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC), with 834 exam centres designated statewide. Prohibitory orders and security protocols enforced In preparation, the state machinery has moved into high gear. Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur has instructed senior officers across all districts to implement robust security protocols. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, will be imposed within a 500-metre radius of all examination centres. The directive is aimed at curbing potential disruptions and maintaining public order during the high-stakes examination. To minimise crowding and eliminate risks of misconduct, parking will be strictly prohibited within a 200-metre radius of the centres. Photocopy and printing shops in proximity to the venues have also been ordered shut on both examination days. Invigilators will not be permitted to carry mobile phones or electronic gadgets inside exam halls, and only authorised personnel will be allowed entry at the centres. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Indonesia: New Container Houses (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now Undo The state police will operate on wireless-only communication during the examination period and establish checkpoints from Friday evening to monitor suspicious vehicles entering from outside the districts. Senior police officers and deputy commissioners are scheduled to personally inspect centres a day prior to the exam and patrol the premises on the exam days. Traffic and transport arrangements for candidates Anticipating a surge in candidate arrivals, especially by train and bus, Haryana Police has deployed additional traffic personnel and directed district administrations to ensure seamless travel. Special bus services have been arranged for candidates, and in a notable move to support female aspirants, one accompanying family member will be allowed to travel free of cost. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who chaired a review meeting earlier this week, emphasised the importance of public cooperation and urged residents to refrain from unnecessary travel during the examination days to prevent traffic congestion. Addressing a gathering in Charkhi Dadri on Thursday, Saini reiterated the state's commitment to a transparent examination process and appealed to citizens to assist authorities in maintaining law and order. Massive statewide coordination effort The state government has also instructed deputy commissioners to appoint an adequate number of duty magistrates to monitor the examination process. DGP Kapur has called on all citizens, candidates, and their guardians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately by dialling the emergency helpline '112' or contacting local police stations. With one of the largest examination exercises in the state underway, Haryana's administration has signalled zero tolerance for malpractice, vowing an uncompromising approach to fairness and security during CET 2025. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
