NEW DELHI: The United States has issued a strong advisory to international students, including those from India, urging strict compliance with the terms of their student visas. In a post on social media platform X, the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi cautioned that failure to maintain student status—such as dropping out, missing classes, or leaving academic programs without notifying the respective institutions—could result in immediate visa revocation and jeopardize eligibility for future U.S. visas.
“Always adhere to the terms of your visa and maintain your student status to avoid any issues,” the embassy emphasized in its advisory issued Tuesday.
The embassy specifically warned students that actions like skipping classes or discontinuing their studies without proper authorization could violate visa conditions, triggering serious consequences, including termination of F-1 visa status.
The advisory comes amid rising concerns over non-compliance among international students in the United States. It underscores that such violations can not only lead to deportation but may also negatively impact future visa applications, including for work or permanent residency.
Data from the Open Doors 2024 Report on International Educational Exchange shows that the number of international students at U.S. colleges and universities reached a record 1,126,690 in the 2023–2024 academic year—an increase of 7% from the previous year. Indian students made up a significant portion of this growth, with 331,602 pursuing higher education in the U.S., marking a notable 23% rise compared to the prior year.
Despite this surge, the embassy’s message highlights the importance of compliance. Under the Trump administration’s strict immigration policies, international students who failed to meet visa obligations—such as maintaining satisfactory academic progress or accurately reporting employment under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program—faced serious repercussions including deportation and cancellation of work authorizations.
Earlier this month, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reiterated that students on OPT must report their employment within 90 days of starting the program. Failure to do so would result in the automatic termination of their record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
The advisory also follows heightened scrutiny of immigration procedures, with many universities previously advising students to avoid international travel due to fears of re-entry denials during the Trump-era clampdown on visa regulations.
The embassy’s latest warning serves as a clear reminder that international students must remain vigilant and fully compliant with visa regulations to protect their academic and immigration status in the United States.
