Latest news with #I‑20
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Time of India
US visa can be revoked even after approval, warns embassy: 5 mistakes that can get F‑1 students deported
US Visa laws: 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!
Hindustan Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Just one straight answer cost a Delhi student his US visa, Reddit speculates what went wrong
For many Indian students, the dream of studying in the United States comes with years of preparation, exams, financial planning, and finally, a nerve-wracking visa interview. But for one young Indian applicant, all it took was a single answer to unravel that dream. The Delhi native claimed he had secured admission to the Master's in Finance program at the City University of New York (CUNY) Baruch. On paper, everything looked promising—an I‑20 form, a strong academic background, and financial backing through a $58.5k loan and $58.5k in savings. But when he walked into the US Embassy in New Delhi for his F-1 visa interview, things didn't go as planned. ALSO READ| One honest answer cost him his US visa, claims Indian, Reddit weighs in The applicant posted on Reddit narrating the experience, the visa officer asked standard questions—what university he was going to, why he chose it, and how he planned to finance his education. He responded that he found Baruch while 'searching for colleges which accept 3-year undergraduate degrees in US' and that he 'read a lot of good things about this college on platforms like LinkedIn.' That's it. Following those few minutes, the applicant was left with a denied visa. 'Can someone please help me know why my visa got rejected? I will be grateful if anyone can provide any insights. And is there any point in reapplying?' the Delhi guy asked. Now, some Redditors feel his 'why this university' answer lacked depth and showed no real personal connection to the program. 'Your answer doesn't show commitment. It feels as if you searched up the universities you were accepted into in 10 minutes and decided your future career,' one user commented. 'Never given an interview (upcoming) so don't know but, your why university answer was not it. It felt as if you first decided to go to the US and then started looking for universities. It should be the other way around.' Another commented, 'I thought the reason for his rejection was coz how he answered his finance question.' ALSO READ| Employer suddenly axed H-1b sponsorship THE DAY before the deadline, Redditor's ordeal goes viral While many empathised with the applicant, one pointed out gaps in his responses. He didn't elaborate his repayment plans for the loan. 'The question about finances - always start with your parent(s), savings and then loan. They know you have plans to work in the US to pay off the loans,' the Redditor said.
