US Revokes F-1 Visas Of Indian Students Over Minor Legal Issues

Indian students in the US are facing a visa crisis, with many receiving notices for minor past offenses that could lead to their F1 visa revocation and immediate departure from the country. From drunken driving cases and shoplifting charges to mere traffic violations such as lane changing, offenses committed months or even years ago are now causing severe repercussions—although theirs is only a suspension of their student status.

The notices are being sent by designated school officials (DSOs), stating that affected students are no longer in valid F-1 non-immigrant status. These emails clarify that the students’ SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) records have been terminated. “This means you are no longer legally allowed to stay in the US,” the message reads. With the SEVIS record terminated, students’ Form I-20 and Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) are rendered invalid, stripping them of the right to study or work.

“If your visa has been revoked, the F-1 visa in your passport is no longer valid. If you are in the US, you may need to make plans for immediate departure,” the notice adds, as reported by the Times of India.

The developments follow increased immigration scrutiny in the US, which had earlier seen international students penalised for participating in campus protests. In a separate case, the US State Department revoked visas of 40 Northeastern University students—22 of them alumni and 18 currently enrolled.

Northeastern University, which hosts over 24,000 international graduates across its campuses, stated that there is no evidence the recent visa revocations are linked to political speech or activism. “There is no indication that a student’s immigration status was affected due to political advocacy,” the university told The Huntington News.

According to the media reports, Students affected by the visa actions are urged to ensure their documents are in order, maintain lawful presence, and be cautious of fraudulent schemes targeting international scholars. The situation continues to raise concern among students and immigration advocates, who say the broad application of visa rules for minor past offences could disrupt academic and career goals for thousands.

news