In recent days, at least 147 international students have had their U.S. visas cancelled suddenly. Several universities across the United States have raised concerns about a growing number of international students losing their visas unexpectedly. This shift in visa policy enforcement is creating confusion and stress among students and educational institutions.
What’s the current situation on revoked student visas?
Colleges are reporting that international students' legal status is being cancelled without prior notice. Some students are even being detained or threatened with deportation. Previously, if a visa was cancelled, students could often stay and finish their studies — but that’s changing.
Who Was Affected?
- Students from many universities.
- Many were not told why their visas were revoked.
- Some had only minor offences, such as:
- Old traffic violations
- Participating in peaceful pro-Palestinian protests
How many colleges were affected after students whose visas were revoked?
Some well-known institutions affected by this include:
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Who has the authority to revoke students' visas in the US?
The U.S. Department of State has the authority to cancel non-immigrant visas (like F-1, J-1, etc.) for individuals who:
- Have been arrested or convicted for:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
- Other similar offenses
- These arrests or convictions must have happened within the last 5 years.
Important: Even if your visa is revoked, it doesn’t always mean you’re banned from getting a new one.
What Does This Mean for Students Whose Visas Have Been Revoked?
If you’ve been arrested or convicted for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) after getting your U.S. visa, your visa may have already been revoked without any notification.
How Do People Find Out?
- Some individuals get an email or letter from the U.S. visa office
- Others find out only when trying to re-enter the U.S. after a trip abroad.
Why Are Visas Being Revoked?
Possible reasons were cited for the revocation of students ’ visas:
| Possible Reasons Cited | Details |
| Involvement in Protests | Some students linked to pro-Palestinian activism were targeted. |
| Minor Legal Violations | Traffic violations and other minor offences cited in some cancellations. |
| Unclear Reasons | Some schools say they received no explanation at all from the government. |
| Higher Scrutiny of Immigrants | Experts say this may be part of broader immigration enforcement strategies. |
Planning to Travel? Here's What You Should Do:
Before you leave the U.S., especially if you’ve had a DUI or DWI:
- Contact the U.S. visa post that issued your visa.
- Confirm if your visa is still valid—do this well in advance.
- Do not buy a flight ticket before confirming your visa status.
- Avoid leaving the U.S. until you've taken proper steps to handle the situation.
Note: If your visa is revoked, the same could happen to your dependants in F-2 or J-2 status.
What is the difference between a Visa and an Immigration Status
| Visa | Immigration Status (F-1, J-1, etc.) |
| Used to enter the U.S. | Allows you to stay legally in the U.S. |
| Can be revoked after arrest | Not affected unless you leave and return |
| Shown on your passport | Linked to your I-20 or DS-2019 |
Key Point: If you stay in the U.S. and don’t travel abroad, a revoked visa usually doesn't affect your current legal stay.
What can students do if their visas are revoked by the US Department of State?
If Your Visa Was Revoked, then
- Talk to your international student or scholar adviser (e.g., OIA adviser).
- Email OIA at:
international-affairs@uchicago.edu - Get help finding a qualified immigration attorney, if needed.
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