Possible Visa Cancellations for Foreign Students Skipping Classes

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Key Takeaways

• Starting July 9, 2025, US cancels student visas immediately for skipping classes or dropping programs without notification.
• Hundreds of foreign students, especially on F-1 and OPT visas, have faced visa cancellations and deportations in 2025.
• Students must report OPT jobs within 90 days and keep SEVIS status current to avoid visa revocation.

Starting July 9, 2025, the United States 🇺🇸 has put in place much stricter rules about visa cancellations for foreign students, especially those caught skipping classes or not keeping up with their academic responsibilities. These new rules are being enforced right away and have already affected hundreds of students. If you are an international student in the United States 🇺🇸, it is more important than ever to understand what has changed, who is affected, and what you need to do to protect your visa status.

What Has Changed?

Possible Visa Cancellations for Foreign Students Skipping Classes

The most important change is that skipping classes, dropping out, or leaving your program without telling your school can now lead to your student visa being canceled immediately. Before, there was sometimes a warning or a chance to fix the problem. Now, the United States 🇺🇸 government can cancel your visa right away, and you may not be able to get any US visa in the future.

This policy is part of a wider effort by President Trump’s administration to make sure all foreign nationals, including students, follow immigration rules very closely. Since January 2025, the government has also increased deportations and is watching student visa holders more closely than ever before.

Who Is Affected?

These new rules apply to all international students in the United States 🇺🇸, especially those on F-1 and similar student visas. If you are on Optional Practical Training (OPT), you are also affected. The rules are not just for students from India, but for all foreign students, no matter what country you are from.

F-1 visa holders: These are the most common student visas for people studying full-time in the United States 🇺🇸.
OPT participants: If you are working in the United States 🇺🇸 after graduation under OPT, you must follow strict reporting rules.
Students at all levels: Whether you are in college, university, or a language program, these rules apply to you.

Effective Dates

The stricter enforcement began in early 2025, but the most recent warnings and actions started on May 27, 2025.
The policy is active now, and there is no sign that it will be relaxed soon.

Required Actions for Students

If you are a foreign student in the United States 🇺🇸, you must take these steps to avoid visa cancellations:

1. Attend All Classes and Academic Activities
– Skipping classes can now lead directly to your visa being canceled. Even missing a few classes without a good reason can be a problem.
– If you are sick or have an emergency, tell your school’s Designated School Official (DSO) right away and provide proof.

2. Notify Your School Before Leaving or Dropping Out
– If you decide to leave your program or drop out, you must officially tell your school and your DSO. Do not just stop going to classes.
– Your school will update your status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which is checked by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

3. Report OPT Employment Within 90 Days
– If you are on OPT, you must report your job details within 90 days of starting OPT. If you do not, your SEVIS status will be canceled, and you will lose your legal right to stay.
– You can find more information about SEVIS and reporting requirements on the ICE SEVIS website.

4. Monitor Your SEVIS Status
– Check your SEVIS record regularly and respond quickly to any messages from your school or the US government.
– If you see any problems or get a warning, contact your DSO immediately.

5. Avoid International Travel if Your Status Is Unclear
– If your visa status is under review or you have missed classes, do not travel outside the United States 🇺🇸. You may not be allowed back in.

6. Keep Good Records
– Save emails, attendance records, and any communication with your school. This can help if there is a mistake or if you need to prove you followed the rules.

What Happens If You Break the Rules?

The consequences for skipping classes or not following the rules are now much more serious:

Immediate Visa Revocation: Your visa can be canceled right away, often without warning.
Permanent Ineligibility: If your visa is canceled for skipping classes or not reporting, you may never be able to get a US visa again.
Deportation: If you stay in the United States 🇺🇸 after your visa is canceled, you can be deported. This has already happened to hundreds of students in 2025.
Travel Ban: Overstaying or breaking visa rules can lead to a permanent ban from entering the United States 🇺🇸 in the future.

Scope and Numbers

The scale of these changes is large:

At least 1,222 students at 187 colleges and universities have already had their visas canceled or their legal status ended since late March 2025, according to the Associated Press.
In 2023, the US Mission in India processed a record 1.4 million visas, with over 140,000 student visas given to Indian students alone. This shows how many people could be affected by the new rules.

Why Is This Happening?

The Trump administration has made it clear that having foreign students in the United States 🇺🇸 is a privilege, not a right. The government says these strict rules are needed because of concerns about campus protests, national security, and making sure students follow the law.

President Trump has said that stricter enforcement is needed and has linked student visa rules to wider political issues.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is now watching student attendance and OPT reporting more closely through SEVIS.
Universities are under pressure to report students who skip classes or leave without telling the school.

How Are Universities Responding?

Many universities are increasing their checks and reminding students to follow all rules. Some are telling students to:

Always let their DSO know if they will miss class.
Keep careful records of attendance and communication.
Avoid any action that could be seen as skipping classes or not following the rules.

Legal and Advocacy Concerns

Legal experts warn that the current rules leave very little room for mistakes. Even small errors, like missing a class or forgetting to report a job, can lead to visa cancellations and deportation.

Student advocacy groups are worried that students are not given enough time or information before their visas are canceled.
Some students have lost their visas with little or no warning, making it hard to fix the problem or appeal.

Reporting Requirements for OPT Participants

If you are on OPT, you must:

Report your job details within 90 days of starting OPT.
Update your employer information in SEVIS.
If you do not have a job or do not report, your status will be canceled.

For more details, visit the SEVP official website.

Travel Risks for Students

Traveling outside the United States 🇺🇸 is now risky if your visa status is not clear. If your visa is under review or has been canceled, you may not be allowed back in. Both US authorities and universities are telling students to avoid travel unless they are sure their status is good.

Mass Deportations and Real-Life Impact

Since January 2025, at least 682 Indian nationals have been deported, many of them students. Many more students from other countries are also facing deportation or visa cancellations for skipping classes or not following the rules.

This has created a lot of stress and worry among international students. Many are afraid of making even a small mistake that could lead to losing their visa and being sent home.

Step-by-Step Guide to Protect Your Status

To help you stay safe and keep your visa, follow these steps:

Go to all your classes and academic events.
If you must miss a class, tell your DSO right away and give a good reason.
Do not leave your program or drop out without telling your school and DSO.
If you are on OPT, report your job within 90 days.
Check your SEVIS status often and answer any messages quickly.
Do not travel outside the United States 🇺🇸 if your status is in question.
Keep all records and emails related to your attendance and visa.

What Should You Do If You Get a Warning or Notice?

If you get any message from your school, the US government, or your embassy about your visa status:

Contact your DSO immediately. They are your main point of contact for visa issues.
Get legal help if needed. Some universities have legal advisors for international students.
Contact your embassy or consulate. For Indian nationals, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs can provide support.

Official Resources

US Embassy in India: https://in.usembassy.gov/
Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP): https://www.ice.gov/sevis
Designated School Official (DSO): Your university’s international student office
Indian Ministry of External Affairs: https://www.mea.gov.in/

Implications for Pending Applications

If you have a pending application for a US student visa or are waiting for a decision on OPT:

Be extra careful to follow all rules. Any sign of skipping classes or not reporting can lead to your application being denied.
Keep in close contact with your DSO and check your SEVIS status.
If you are outside the United States 🇺🇸, do not travel until your visa is approved and your status is clear.

Future Outlook

There is no sign that these rules will be relaxed soon. In fact, there may be even more restrictions in the future, especially if there are more political controversies or campus protests. The Indian government and other countries are watching the situation and helping students, but they cannot change US policy.

Summary of Key Points

Skipping classes, dropping out, or not telling your school can now lead to immediate visa cancellations and a permanent ban on future US visas.
Hundreds of students have already lost their visas in 2025, and many more are at risk.
Strict compliance, good communication, and careful record-keeping are now essential for all foreign students in the United States 🇺🇸.
If you get any warning or notice about your visa, seek help from your DSO or embassy right away.

Practical Takeaways

Always attend your classes and keep your school informed.
Report any changes in your status or job right away.
Avoid travel if your visa status is not clear.
Keep all records and be ready to show proof of compliance.
If you are unsure about anything, ask your DSO or check the SEVP official website for guidance.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these new rules mark a major shift in how the United States 🇺🇸 handles student visas. The best way to protect yourself is to stay informed, follow all rules, and seek help if you have any questions or problems. By taking these steps, you can reduce your risk of visa cancellations and continue your studies in the United States 🇺🇸 with greater peace of mind.

Learn Today

F-1 visa → A non-immigrant visa for full-time academic studies in the United States for foreign students.
OPT (Optional Practical Training) → A temporary employment authorization allowing F-1 students to work related to their studies after graduation.
SEVIS → Student and Exchange Visitor Information System used by US Immigration to track visa holders’ status.
Designated School Official (DSO) → A school official authorized to assist international students with visa and SEVIS issues.
Visa revocation → The cancellation of a visa by US authorities, terminating the foreign student’s legal status immediately.

This Article in a Nutshell

From July 2025, the US enforces strict visa cancellations for international students skipping classes or leaving programs. Students on F-1 and OPT must comply closely, report employment timely, and avoid travel if status is uncertain. Violations risk immediate deportation and long-term ineligibility for US visas.
— By VisaVerge.com