In recent weeks, U.S. higher education institutions have been grappling with an uptick in F-1 visa revocations and terminations of student status. These developments have raised concerns across campuses and left many international students unsure of their rights and next steps. While some high-profile revocations were linked to protest activities, the latest round appears to center on allegations of “failing to maintain status.”
But what does that actually mean—and how should students and universities respond?
Visa vs. Status: Know the Difference
A common misunderstanding in U.S. immigration is the assumption that a visa governs how long someone can stay in the country. In reality, the visa is simply a travel document issued by the U.S. Department of State that permits entry into the U.S. Status, on the other hand, is what governs your stay once you are in the country. For international students, status is granted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and tracked by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).
Students may still remain legally in the U.S. even if their F-1 visa has expired—so long as they continue to maintain valid F-1 status.
What Does “Failing to Maintain Status” Mean?
Maintaining status requires students to comply with the full terms of their F-1 visa. This includes enrolling full-time, avoiding unauthorized employment, and adhering to school and immigration reporting obligations. In the past, it was largely up to Designated School Officials (DSOs) to report any violations.
Recently, however, federal authorities have become more proactive. In some cases, students have learned about their status being terminated only after their school reviewed SEVIS records—without any direct notice from DHS or other agencies.
Implications of Status Termination
Unlike a revoked visa, which primarily affects reentry after travel abroad, termination of F-1 status means the student is no longer lawfully present in the United States. Unless the student can promptly apply for reinstatement or change status, they must depart immediately. There is no automatic grace period after a SEVIS termination.
What Colleges and Universities Should Do
With increased scrutiny and rapidly shifting immigration enforcement policies, institutions need to take proactive steps to support international students. These include:
- Regularly monitoring SEVIS records to identify terminations or changes in student status.
- Notifying affected students immediately and offering guidance about their options.
- Connecting students with qualified immigration attorneys for individualized legal support.
- Preparing for inquiries or actions by federal agencies, including guidance on responding to subpoenas, site visits, or enforcement activity.
- Developing internal communication plans to address concerns from faculty, staff, and the broader community.
Final Takeaway
The distinction between visa revocation and status termination is not just technical—it’s essential. Students can legally stay in the U.S. with an expired visa if their F-1 status is valid. But once status is terminated, their legal right to remain ends, regardless of whether their visa is still valid.
Universities must remain vigilant, informed, and prepared to advocate for their students amid these developments. For students, staying connected with your international student advisor and seeking legal counsel can make all the difference.
Contact Information
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.