An Indian passport. Image for representation.
Credit: iStock Photo
Indian students facing minor criminal offences, including traffic violations in the US, are now being targeted by the country's authorities.
US authorities have revoked visas of international students including dozens of Indian students who received related mails from their designated school officials.
According to a report by Times of India which quoted the e-mails receieved, the students were informed that their F-1 student visas were no longer valid and were asked to leave the country at once.
The e-mails cited past criminal offences by the students like shifting lanes while driving, drunk driving, shoplifting, etc. as reasons for their deportation.
In the past few weeks, hundreds of international students in the US received e-mails informing them about their visa being revoked and asking them to self-deport.
If you find yourself facing visa revocation, consider the following actions:
Understand the Reason for Cancellation:
Identify the cause of the revocation to determine the appropriate response.
Contact Your University's International Student Services (ISS) Office:
They can provide guidance, assist with documentation, and may refer you to legal experts.
Reapply or File an Appeal:
If the cancellation was due to a resolvable issue, such as a medical absence, you might be able to reapply with supporting documentation.
Seek Legal Assistance:
For complex cases, consulting an immigration attorney can help navigate the reinstatement process.
Check Your Insurance Coverage:
Some travel or student insurance policies may cover expenses related to visa cancellations.
Stay Calm and Informed:
Maintain clear communication with your university and legal advisors to effectively address the situation.
Reinstatement Process
To regain legal status, you may apply for reinstatement by filing Form I-539 with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This process typically takes three to twelve months and may require attending an interview.
Impact on Current Status
It's important to note that visa revocation does not necessarily mean you are out of status. However, you will need to apply for a new visa if you plan to re-enter the US after traveling abroad.
Disclaimer: This article has been partially written by a generative AI tool and edited and reviewed by the DH Web Desk.