What Happens If Your US Student Visa is Cancelled? The United States remains the most popular option for international students studying abroad. Before entering the United States, foreign students must get a student visa, which might be F, J, or M depending on their course and school. But what if American officials cancel or revoke the student visa before its validity period expires?

Over one million international students enroll in US colleges and universities, making the USA the largest population pursuing educational and career dreams. The F-1 Visa allows full-time students enrolled in accredited institutions to enter the country, while the M-1 visa covers students in vocational programs. Exchange visitor (J) visas are nonimmigrant visas for individuals approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States.

What to Do if Your Visa is Cancelled

Students who hold an F, J, or M visa may have their visas terminated at any moment. If Your US Student Visa is Cancelled, you must apply again after following the US interview process.

If your student visa is revoked or cancelled while you are still in the country and have not altered your status, you may remain in the United States.

However, if your student visa is revoked or cancelled, and you are outside America, you will no longer be allowed to enter the United States. You should receive an email from the United States embassy or consulate that issued your visa, as well as formal confirmation from a US government agency. They may email you at your provided email address when applying for the visa. In such a case, you need to apply for a new student visa if your current one has been revoked or cancelled and you are not currently in USA.

There are numerous reasons why your visa could have been revoked or cancelled. The most typical cause for a F, M or J visa holder is if they have a legal record in the United States, including a DUI (driving under the influence), DWI (driving while intoxicated), or domestic abuse/assault. Your visa might be canceled or terminated even if you have not been arrested or convicted.

If you have any drug or alcohol-related arrests or convictions, you may be referred to a Panel Physician in your home country (or the country of your visa application) for review during your visa interview. This doctor will determine whether you are a “abuser or addict” and/or pose a risk to yourself or others. You will probably be asked to stay at home for a year or more to receive treatment before being considered for another visa stamp.

Also, a terminated record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) could indicate that the nonimmigrant no longer maintains F or M status. When an F-1/M-1 SEVIS record is terminated, the student loses all off-campus employment authorization and they cannot re-enter the United States on the terminated SEVIS record.

If international students are out of the United States for more than five consecutive months, they will need to obtain a new Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, and pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee again. Again, the student would only need to apply for a new visa if their original visa was no longer valid.

Lastly, international students should note that a valid visa does not guarantee entrance into the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents at the U.S. port of entry ultimately decide to admit people into the country, not the Department of State.