The recent spate of visa revocation notices may seem worrying to overseas students who are enrolled in courses in the United States on a valid F-1 or J-1 visa. To allay the concerns of international students, the University of Calgary has provided some useful clarification, and we’re here to explain it all to you.
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U.S. Department of State Revokes Non-immigrant Visas
Non-immigrant visas, such as student (F-1) and exchange guest (J-1) visas, may be revoked by the U.S. Department of State if the holder has been arrested or found guilty of driving under the influence (DUI or DWI) or a related offense during the previous five (05) years.
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This does not indicate that your academic career is coming to an end or that you are being deported. Let’s examine its actual meaning for you.
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University of Calgary Clarifies US Study Visa Revocation
Here’s what you should know based on guidelines that the University of Calgary recently summarized:
#1. Your status within the United States is unaffected by the revocation of your visa.
Your existing student status is unaffected by the revocation of your visa if you are currently in the United States. Your ongoing legal presence in the United States is dependent on the following factors; your F-1 or J-1 visa stamp is only necessary for arrival, not for stay.
- A valid DS-2019 (J-1/J-2) or I-20 (F-1/F-2)
- Full-time enrollment and status compliance
#2. But It Has an Impact on Re-Entry into the United States
After traveling overseas, you won’t be able to reenter the country on the same visa if it has been revoked. You must apply for a new visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate before you can return, as the visa stamp becomes void.
How Do I Know If My Visa Was Revoked?
International students learn their visa was revoked through the following ways:
- You may get an official notice (email or letter) from the U.S. embassy or consulate that issued the visa
- You may also get notified while traveling U.S. port of entry after an international trip
Additionally, before making travel plans, it’s a good idea to check the status of your visa by getting in touch with the visa-issuing post directly if you have been arrested or convicted of DUI or a similar offense since it was issued.
Here’s What You Should Do If You’re Planning to Travel Our of the USA
If you intend to depart the United States after being arrested or convicted:
- Don’t make trip arrangements just yet.
- Verify the validity of your visa by getting in touch with the embassy or consulate where you obtained it.
- For individualized advice, contact the international student office at your school.
- They can assist you in speaking with an immigration lawyer if necessary.
Additionally, keep in mind that if your student visa is revoked, it may also have an impact on your dependents’ F-2 or J-2 visas.
If you are not planning to travel, this revocation does not affect your studies or status in the U.S. You can stay and study.
Simply make sure your DS-2019 or I-20 is always valid and meet your academic obligations.
Reference
- https://internationalaffairs.uchicago.edu/students/current-students/visa-revocation
- https://isss.oie.gatech.edu/content/visa-revocation.
