In recent months, the Trump administration has intensified scrutiny of international students. According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, approximately 300 student visas have been revoked, with daily revocations occurring for individuals connected to certain student protest activities, including vandalism and writing op-eds.
An incident at Southern Illinois University highlighted these concerns when an international student’s visa was abruptly revoked, leaving them in immigration limbo. The university responded by advising international students to carry copies of immigration documents, proof of enrollment, and records of all U.S. residences. These actions have created a climate of uncertainty among international students, with many expressing fear about traveling or returning to their home countries due to concerns about reentry.
Visa issues can unravel your education and immigration plans fast—often without warning. At Cho Immigration Law in Chicago, we help international students protect their legal status and respond to visa revocations quickly and effectively. If you’ve received a notice or are unsure where you stand, call 312-853-3088 before making any moves.
Common Reasons for Student Visa Revocations
International students in the U.S. are subject to strict immigration rules, and even a small misstep can trigger major consequences. A revoked student visa doesn’t always mean immediate deportation, but it often signals that the government believes you’ve violated the terms of your stay.
Most revocations stem from one of a few predictable issues. Common reasons student visas are canceled by the U.S. Department of State, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) include:
Falling Out of F-1 or M-1 Status
One of the most frequent reasons for revocation is a student falling out of lawful F-1 student visa status. This can happen if a student:
- Drops below full-time enrollment without prior approval
- Fails to maintain a valid SEVIS record
- Doesn’t follow required reporting procedures
Even technical violations, such as missing paperwork deadlines, can lead to serious immigration consequences.
Unauthorized Employment
Working without authorization is another major violation. International students are only allowed to work under specific conditions, such as on-campus jobs or approved practical training programs. Off-campus employment without prior approval from a Designated School Official (DSO) or USCIS is grounds for immediate revocation.
Criminal Arrests or Charges
A student does not need to be convicted of a crime to lose their visa. An arrest, regardless of outcome, can trigger automatic revocation, especially if the charge involves moral turpitude, controlled substances, or violence. The State Department has wide discretion to revoke visas in such cases.
National Security or Public Safety Concerns
If immigration officials believe a student poses a national security risk or public safety threat, the visa may be revoked without notice. This can be based on alleged ties to certain groups, suspicious activity, or intelligence reports, even without a formal charge or trial.
Academic Misconduct or Disciplinary Action
Colleges and universities report significant violations such as plagiarism, cheating, or code of conduct violations. If the misconduct affects a student’s immigration eligibility or university standing, visa revocation may follow.
Failure to Report a Change of Address
Federal law requires all non-citizens to report any change of address to USCIS within 10 days. Ignoring this requirement may seem minor, but it is a violation that can lead to revocation and future visa denials.
How Will You Know If Your Student Visa Has Been Revoked?
Students often discover their visa has been revoked when attempting to reenter the United States, applying for a visa renewal, or getting contacted by immigration enforcement. The U.S. Department of State is not legally obligated to notify individuals in advance of a revocation, leading to confusion and hardship.
Revocations may come to light when students travel outside the U.S. and are denied reentry at a port of entry or during the visa renewal process when informed that their current visa has been canceled.
What Happens After a Student Visa Is Revoked?
If you are in the U.S. when your visa is revoked, your status depends on whether your SEVIS record remains active. If your SEVIS status has also been terminated, you may be considered out of status and begin to accrue unlawful presence, potentially leading to removal proceedings or a future bar on reentry.
Remaining in the country after a revocation without addressing your legal status can worsen your situation. Conversely, if your visa was revoked while you were outside the United States, you will likely be unable to return until you obtain a new visa. Even if the old visa still appears valid in your passport, it will not allow you to reenter the U.S. after a revocation.
Legal Options After a Student Visa Revocation
Upon learning of a visa revocation, it’s crucial to consult an immigration attorney. Navigating the situation without professional guidance can lead to mistakes that limit future options. An immigration lawyer can help you understand the reason for the revocation and whether it was based on misinformation, procedural issues, or an actual status violation.
In some cases, you may be eligible to file for reinstatement of status by submitting Form I-539. This option is typically available when the violation was minor, and the student can demonstrate compliance in all other respects. However, the application generally must be filed within five months of the status violation.
Alternatively, you may consider filing a motion to reopen or reconsider the government’s decision, depending on the circumstances. These motions often require new evidence or a legal argument that the revocation was based on incorrect or outdated information.
Impact on Future Immigration Prospects
A visa revocation becomes part of your permanent immigration record. If you plan to apply for another U.S. visa or a green card in the future, you may be required to disclose the revocation and provide documentation about the incident. Failure to do so could result in a denial based on misrepresentation.
In some cases, a visa revocation may be considered a sign of inadmissibility under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Section 212, potentially resulting in a ban on reentry unless you apply for and are granted a waiver of inadmissibility.
Students hoping to pursue Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation may lose that opportunity if their F-1 status is disrupted. Similarly, eligibility for STEM OPT extensions depends on maintaining an uninterrupted and valid F-1 status throughout the degree program and beyond.
Can You Appeal a Student Visa Revocation?
There is no formal appeal process for visa revocations issued by the Department of State. However, you may reapply for a new visa and explain why the previous revocation was inappropriate or based on inaccurate information. If the revocation triggered a finding of inadmissibility, you may be eligible for a waiver under Section 212(d)(3) of the INA.
If you’re placed into removal proceedings due to the revocation, an immigration attorney can help you pursue available forms of relief, such as cancellation of removal, asylum, or adjustment of status. Your strategy will depend on the grounds for revocation and your overall immigration history.
Steps to Take If You Are Notified of Revocation
If you’re notified that your student visa has been revoked—whether through direct communication, denial of reentry, or discovery during a visa renewal—it’s critical to act quickly and carefully. Your next steps can determine whether you’re able to remain in the U.S., reestablish lawful status, or protect your future immigration options.
Avoid International Travel
Do not leave the U.S. until you’ve spoken with an immigration attorney. Exiting the country with a revoked visa could trigger automatic denial of reentry, especially if the revocation involves a finding of inadmissibility. Once you’re outside the U.S., it becomes significantly harder to resolve your case or return legally.
Gather and Preserve Documentation
Collect all documents that relate to your immigration status. This includes:
- Your Form I-20
- SEVIS correspondence
- Visa stamps and notices
- Academic transcripts
- Communications from ICE, USCIS, or the State Department
- Employment authorization documents (if applicable)
These records will be critical for your attorney in identifying what went wrong and determining how to respond.
Contact an Immigration Attorney Immediately
Do not attempt to handle a revocation on your own. Immigration laws are complex, and a misstep can cause long-term damage to your record. An experienced immigration legal services attorney can help you understand why your visa was revoked, determine whether you’re still in valid status, and develop a strategy for reinstatement, waiver, or defense if you’re placed in removal proceedings.
Monitor Your SEVIS Status
Work with your Designated School Official (DSO) to check your current SEVIS status. If it remains active, you may still be lawfully present even if your visa was canceled. If SEVIS has been terminated, you could begin accruing unlawful presence, which can lead to a reentry bar of three or ten years depending on the length of overstay.
Stay Compliant with U.S. Immigration Laws
While your case is working toward resolution, avoid any conduct that could worsen your situation. Do not work without authorization, fail to attend classes, or ignore university communications. Even seemingly minor violations, such as a DUI arrest, can complicate efforts to restore or preserve your status.
If you’re an international student facing visa issues, or worried about how recent policy changes might affect your status, Cho Immigration Law in Chicago can help. Contact us today at 312-853-3088 to speak with an attorney who understands the urgency of protecting your immigration future.
