Deportation fears, rejections: How Indian students can stay ahead amid US visa jitters

India Today

a day ago

With the United States tightening visa scrutiny for international students, anxiety is mounting among Indian aspirants preparing for the fall semester. Amid fears of deportation over minor violations and rising rejection rates, here are some of the most frequently asked questions around the issue. Students are advised to maintain vigilance, academic discipline, a clean digital footprint, and a well-thought-out Plan B that includes Europe and the United Kingdom.advertisement1. How can Indian students avoid triggering red flags during visa interviews and after arriving in the US?Students must be self-aware and disciplined. Be honest in your visa interview, be clear about your academic goals, and avoid coaching that sounds rehearsed or inconsistent.
Once in the US, attend all classes, stay in touch with your Designated School Official, and never work without authorisation. Avoid activism that could be construed as political disruption.You are going to the US to study — never forget that. If you wish to participate in violent protests or write controversial opinion pieces, you will most likely not be welcome there.Maintain a clean digital footprint. Today, your social media is your second passport — it will be reviewed, and anything controversial can be grounds for concern.advertisement2. What should students do if they're admitted to a US university but are unable to secure a visa in time?This is a real possibility now, with consulate backlogs, heightened scrutiny, and delays in visa issuance. Students in this situation must act quickly — inform their university, request a deferral if needed, or explore whether they can begin studies online and transition to campus later.Some universities offer hybrid start options or spring intake alternatives. At the same time, students should keep backup admissions in other countries ready. A US admission letter is not a ticket to guaranteed entry anymore; it's a part of a larger, more unpredictable process. Flexibility and planning are the new essentials.That said, students must not panic. A smart move is to wait for a few weeks. If the situation doesn't improve, then move on to plan B.3. What is the status of Indian students who are already enroled for the upcoming session? Will the US government restrictions have any impact on them?For now, students who already hold valid F-1 visas and are due to begin classes in the upcoming intake should not panic. Unless their university loses its Student and Exchange Visitor Programme certification, or they violate specific visa terms, their status is largely secure.advertisementHowever, students must be vigilant, ensuring full-time enrolment, academic progress, and regular attendance. Skipping classes, delaying enrolment, or any perceived deviation from the norm could trigger scrutiny. Universities themselves are on alert and may tighten internal monitoring, which makes it imperative for students to stay in constant touch with their international student offices.4. For students who are denied admission to US universities, what options do they have in Europe or elsewhere for various courses?Europe has become far more attractive in recent years, not only for Master's and MBA aspirants, but also for undergraduate students. Countries like Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Ireland now offer high-quality English-taught programmes across disciplines like business, engineering, design, psychology, and more.Germany, for example, offers tuition-free education at public universities. The Netherlands is known for its career-oriented bachelor's programs with strong ties to industry. Scandinavian nations offer progressive education models and generous scholarships. Spain hosts international universities such as the IE University, the IESE, and ESADE.Beyond Europe, countries like Australia, Singapore, and even the UAE have become viable options for globally ambitious students seeking academic quality without the visa anxiety. Given the current anxiety around the US visa process, as a backup, many students can apply to the UK, where most universities have rolling admissions and classes start later in the year.advertisement5. Will the new visa restrictions apply to students already studying in US universities? The new norms say that action can be taken even for skipping classes or dropping out.Yes. And this is where the real concern lies. The recent policy language from US authorities emphasises enforcement, not just at the point of entry but during the entire course of study. That means even minor violations — unauthorised work, extended leaves, or incomplete course loads — could be grounds for visa revocation or even deportation.Students have to be very careful. Even minor traffic violations can result in a visa being revoked. Universities are being asked to report such violations promptly, placing more responsibility on both students and academic institutions.The message is clear: the US is watching, and students must treat their visa status as a privilege that can be revoked, not a right that's guaranteed.(Dr Karan Gupta is a career counsellor, educationist, and Harvard Business School alumnus)(Views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author)
advertisement