‘Follow Visa Rules or Risk Deportation’: US Issues Fresh Warning to Indian Students
The United States has issued a stern warning to international students, including thousands from India, cautioning that skipping classes or leaving their programs without proper notification could lead to immediate visa revocation and possible ineligibility for future US visas.
The warning, posted by the US Embassy in India, comes amid an ongoing immigration crackdown under the Trump administration and follows recent mass deportation drives and heightened scrutiny of visa compliance.
“If you drop out, skip classes, or leave your program of study without informing your school, your student visa may be revoked, and you may lose eligibility for future U.S. visas,” the embassy warned in an official statement shared on social media. It added, “Always adhere to the terms of your visa and maintain your student status to avoid any issues.”
This development comes weeks after US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) intensified oversight on foreign nationals, particularly those on Optional Practical Training (OPT) visas. Earlier this month, ICE warned that failure to report employment within 90 days of beginning OPT could result in the loss of legal student status within the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
In addition, several American institutions have advised international students, including those from India, against traveling abroad. The concern: students might be denied re-entry or see their visas canceled during immigration checks.
The latest advisory is part of a growing list of warnings from US authorities to Indian students and immigrants. Recently, the US Embassy also cautioned Indians residing illegally or overstaying visas, stating that violators could face deportation and even lifetime travel bans.
“If you remain in the United States beyond your authorized period of stay, you could be deported and could face a permanent ban on traveling to the United States in the future,” the Embassy had said in an earlier alert.
The escalation has sparked anxiety among Indian students and parents alike, as the US remains one of the most sought-after destinations for higher education. According to recent estimates, over 2.5 lakh Indian students are currently studying in the United States.
Education consultants and legal experts in India have urged students to strictly adhere to visa norms and remain in constant contact with their designated school officials. “With the current political climate, even minor non-compliance can lead to serious consequences,” said Rahul Jain, a Delhi-based immigration lawyer.
On social media, many Indian users expressed concern over the uncertainty. “Every student going to the US now must be extra cautious. A small mistake could ruin their entire future,” tweeted one user.
Under US immigration law, international students holding F-1 visas must maintain full-time enrollment and comply with reporting requirements. During OPT periods, students must report employment updates within the stipulated timeframe to maintain lawful status.
