Latest news with #F‑1
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
US visa can be revoked even after approval, warns embassy: 5 mistakes that can get F‑1 students deported
US Visa laws: 5 mistakes that can get F‑1 students deported The US Embassy in India has issued a stern advisory: Even after you've secured a visa, your stay is neither guaranteed nor untouchable. They confirmed that visa monitoring continues post‑approval —and rule‑breaking can lead to revocation and deportation. This warning comes amidst a crackdown on immigration and tighter scrutiny of student activities, including academic enrolment, social media use, and any run-ins with the law. Here are five key mistakes that can cost students their US visa. Skipping classes or leaving your course without notifying If you drop out, skip classes, or quit your programme without alerting your school, your F‑1 status can be terminated—which means your visa can be revoked and future US visas denied. Tip: Stay enrolled full‑time. Keep in close contact with your Designated School Official (DSO) if your plans change. Violating US laws—even 'minor' ones You might think a traffic fine or minor arrest isn't a big deal. Think again. In 2025, several Indian students were deported over misdemeanours such as driving without a licence or DUI incidents. Even a parking ticket may trigger SEVIS termination. Tip: Follow all local laws carefully. Remember that interactions with law enforcement—even over trivial matters—can jeopardise your visa. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Đây có thể là thời điểm tốt nhất để giao dịch vàng trong 5 năm qua IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Social media missteps—old accounts tracked You must list all social media usernames and handles from the last five years on the DS‑160 form. Omitting accounts increases the risk of rejection or future ineligibility. Worse, posting politically sensitive content—like pro‑Palestinian views—can trigger visa revocation under new 'catch and revoke' policies. Tip: Disclose every account. Make your profiles review-ready, and remove or archive any politically charged posts. Engaging in political activism or protests In early 2025, numerous student visas were revoked after peaceful campus protests—mainly about Gaza—under alleged terrorism/security grounds. Prominent cases also involved travel by masked immigration officials to arrest activists at havens like Columbia and Tufts. Tip: Avoid campus protests or public dissent. Stay aware of evolving rules about campus expression. Overstaying your permitted time Even slight overstays matter. Reports suggest more than 4,700 student visas were revoked in early 2025, with many associated with overstays or unlawful presence. A rise in revoked SEVIS records led to fear, court filings, and uncertainty among students. Tip: Track your I‑20 and SEVIS dates. File early for extensions and consult your DSO if your plans shift. The bigger picture Student visa approvals have plunged by about 27% between March and May 2025, with only 9,900 F‑1 visas issued to Indians compared to nearly 15,000 in 2023. US universities could lose up to US$1 billion in revenue due to these policy changes and declining enrolments. The trend reflects a larger 'privilege‑not‑right' doctrine under the Trump administration's second term—putting student travel and stay under continual scrutiny . TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
F‑1 visa refused to student after ‘unexpected technical questions' at US consulate in Hyderabad
A student aiming to pursue a graduate program at Indiana University Bloomington was denied a US F‑1 visa during an interview at the US Consulate in Hyderabad on May 30 2025. The refusal came after he faced a series of unexpected technical questions—marking a shift from routine interview lines to detailed technical scrutiny. The interview began with typical questions: whether he was studying currently, which universities he had applied to, and details about his undergraduate project. Then, the visa officer surprised him by asking technical queries. After confirming the universities applied to and discussing why he chose Indiana University Bloomington and the Applied Data Science track, the consular officer denied his visa. Here's what the F-1 involves (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) The F-1 visa is the most common visa category used by international students who plan to pursue full-time academic programs in the United States. The visa allows students to arrive in the US up to 30 days before their program begins. Once in the US, students are required to maintain full-time enrolment throughout their academic program. They are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on campus while classes are in session. Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) are available for gaining work experience, especially in STEM fields, with OPT offering up to 12 months of work authorization and the option for a 24-month extension for eligible STEM graduates. Live Events Recent developments affecting F-1 visa holders include proposed changes by the US government such as increasing the duration of STEM OPT training , expanding eligible degree programs, and revising the H-1B visa process. There is also heightened scrutiny during visa interviews, with officers now asking more subject-specific or technical questions, especially for graduate-level applicants in STEM programs.
