The rise in unannounced F-1 visa cancellations is leaving many international students concerned about the future of their legal status. Over nine hundred international students have already had their F-1 visas revoked. Some students weren’t even notified of their F-1 visa cancellations.
The trend began on March 27, 2025, when Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the State Department revoked three hundred student visas. Secretary Rubio explained that many of these students had suspected connections to terrorist group or had a prior criminal record. However, international students with minor crimes or no criminal record have also experienced visa cancellations.
Foreign nationals subject to removal must appear in immigration court and are usually sent a notice to attend the proceedings. Attorneys for the affected students claim they didn’t receive any notice, leaving them unsure of what to do next. Many students haven’t been notified of the reason for their visa cancellation.
International students are strongly encouraged to always carry proof of their status to minimize the chances of being mis-identified by immigration authorities. They should stay connected with university authorities or advocacy groups in case of confrontation with immigration agencies.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has taken an active role in the cancellation of visas and the detainment of international students. Some F-1 students only learned of their visa cancellation after checking a DHS database. This is a stark departure from the past, where universities mainly informed immigration authorities of a student’s visa status.
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, it’s particularly critical.
