Even after successfully obtaining the visa, it is necessary to follow the rules and regulations to avoid any risk of cancellation. US Student Visa Can it be cancelled or revoked? The unfortunate answer is yes, and this can happen for a variety of reasons.
Can a US student visa be cancelled?
Yes, U.S. student visas can be cancelled or revoked, and this generally means that the person’s legal status to remain in the United States is invalidated. If your visa is revoked, it is often due to a violation of the conditions under which it was granted. This may include reasons such as prolonged absence from academic activities, unauthorized employment, or other violations of student visa rules.
The decision to cancel a visa may be taken due to the following reasons: Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of State, or consulate officials are notified, and in most cases, the student is given notice of the cancellation along with the reason. Upon receiving this notice, the individual must take immediate steps to either challenge the decision or leave the country.
Common reasons why a US student visa is cancelled
There are many reasons why a US student visa may be cancelled, some of the most common ones are as follows:
- Prolonged Absence: If a student leaves the US and remains absent from his or her educational institution for more than five months, his or her visa may be revoked. Absences without giving proper notice to the university are a violation of visa conditions.
- Transfer to New Institution: Changing universities without updating the necessary visa records can cause problems. If the new transfer information is not entered properly, the student may be listed as absent, resulting in
Cancellation of visa , - Fraudulent Activities: Involvement in any form of fraudulent activities, such as submitting false documents or engaging in unauthorized work, may also lead to visa cancellation.
- Failure to meet the visa category criteria: A student may no longer meet the requirements for their visa category due to a change in circumstances or new information that has emerged after the visa was issued.
In some cases, visa revocation may be due to external factors such as allegations made by a third party. These may be related to security concerns, criminal activities or even financial disputes.
What to do if your US student visa is cancelled?
Having your visa cancelled can be a difficult experience, but there are several remedial steps you can take if you find yourself in this situation:
Understand why it was canceled
The first step is to fully understand the reason for the cancellation. Whether it is a prolonged absence or an administrative error, knowing why your visa was cancelled helps determine your next steps. It also prepares you for re-application, where a strong explanation or legal appeal may help overturn the decision.
Contact the International Student Services (ISS) office at your university
Your university’s International Student Services (ISS) office can be an invaluable resource during this time. They can provide you with guidance, information about the re-application process, and refer you to legal experts or immigration lawyers who specialize in visa-related issues. The ISS office can also help ensure that all records and documentation are accurate, and can assist you with your next steps.
File a re-application or appeal
If you think the cancellation was a mistake or was caused by an issue that can be resolved (such as a long absence for medical reasons or a legitimate transfer between institutions), you can reapply for a visa. The application must include a detailed explanation and supporting documents as to why your student visa should be reinstated.
Consider legal advice
In cases where the revocation seems unjust or involves more serious allegations, it may be necessary to seek legal assistance. Immigration lawyers are trained to understand the complexities of US visa laws and can help argue your case before authorities or consular officials. If handled properly, this may result in the reinstatement of your student visa.
Use travel insurance benefits
If you have purchased travel or student insurance, check for any provisions covering visa cancellation in your policy. Some insurance packages offer coverage for non-refundable expenses such as flight tickets or accommodation bookings. This can ease some of the financial burden if your visa status disrupts your travel or study plans.
Stay Calm and Informed
Having your visa cancelled is undoubtedly stressful, but it is important to stay calm and handle the situation in a systematic way. Clear communication with your university and legal advisors and understanding the reasons behind the decision can help you handle the situation more effectively.
