International students in the United States are facing a myriad of challenges that can lead to the revocation of their student visas.
The F-1 visa, which allows foreign students to study full-time at certified schools under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), comes with a set of strict conditions that must be met to maintain compliance.
Academic Issues
Dropping below the required course load without approval can lead to visa termination.
Academic dismissal or disciplinary action may result in revocation.
Course format changes (e.g., switching to part-time or online learning) must be reported to SEVIS.
Employment Violations
Unauthorized employment, including internships without CPT/OPT, is a violation.
Working with sanctioned organizations, especially in sensitive sectors, can impact status.
Financial and Documentation Concerns
Students must consistently prove they can fund their education; initial proof is not enough.
Submitting false documents or manipulated information is grounds for visa cancellation.
Failure to update address details in SEVIS within 10 days of moving is a compliance issue.
Immigration and Legal Red Flags
Overstaying the authorized stay, even by mistake, can trigger bans on future visas.
Criminal charges or arrests may lead to immediate revocation.
Security agency flags—even without legal proceedings—can void visas.
Dependent and Transfer-Related Risks
Misconduct by F-2 dependents (e.g., unauthorized work or full-time study) can affect the F-1 holder.
Students must initiate a SEVIS transfer within 60 days when changing schools or education levels.
New Threats Under Trump-Era Immigration Policies
In addition to the traditional risks, recent trends under the Trump administration have intensified threats for international students:
Visa Revocation for Minor Offenses
Students are reportedly having visas revoked for minor infractions like old traffic tickets, without prior notice. Deportation can follow, disrupting education and career plans.
Targeting Activism
Students involved in pro-Palestinian protests are being scrutinized. For example, Rumeysa Öztürk, a Tufts PhD student, was detained and her visa annulled over her alleged links to pro-Palestinian activism.
Social Media Surveillance
DHS is using AI to monitor social media for any content deemed political or supportive of groups like Hamas. Even posts interpreted as “anti-U.S.” may trigger visa issues.
Country-Specific Visa Revocations
Policies are now in place to revoke visas based on nationality. South Sudanese students, including Duke University’s Khaman Maluach, were targeted after the U.S. cited South Sudan’s refusal to accept deportees.
Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship
Trump’s order to revoke birthright citizenship for children born to non-citizens may affect students who become parents while studying in the U.S.
No Notification to Universities
Educational institutions are not notified when student visas are revoked, leaving them unable to support affected students in time.
Increased Audits and Political Scrutiny
DHS and ICE are intensifying audits of SEVIS records. Schools with large pro-Palestinian protests are at risk of losing SEVP certification, impacting their ability to enroll foreign students.
Bottom Line: International students in the U.S. must now navigate a far more complex and high-risk environment. Even minor mistakes — or perceived political activism — can jeopardize their stay. Students are advised to stay informed, follow visa guidelines strictly, and seek legal counsel when needed.
