At Least 100 Nepali Students’ Visas Revoked, U.S. Immigration Attorneys Report; Immediate Departure Ordered
प्रकाशित मिति : चैत्र २८, २०८१ बिहीबार
Immigration attorneys in the United States estimate that approximately 100 Nepali students have had their visas and SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) records revoked. At least three New York-based lawyers reported this week that a significant number of Nepali students’ SEVIS records were terminated, with most of these terminations reportedly occurring within the past week.
Some Nepali students received notifications via email from the U.S. Embassy informing them of visa revocations, while others were notified by their colleges that their SEVIS records had been terminated. The SEVIS system is a database used by the U.S. government to track international students and exchange visitors. Termination of a SEVIS record means that the individual’s visa status is no longer valid, potentially resulting in the loss of legal permission to stay or study in the United States.
Attorney Avima Upreti told NepYork that more than two dozen Nepali students contacted her within a single week after receiving sudden SEVIS termination notices. She noted that these students are extremely distressed and have not been provided with detailed reasons for the terminations. The students were informed that their SEVIS records were terminated by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
Similarly, attorney Bashu Phulara reported to NepYork that the U.S. Embassy has sent emails to several Nepali students notifying them of visa revocations, and colleges have also informed students of SEVIS terminations. Phulara stated that the students are in a state of confusion and that legal options are being explored.
NepYork reviewed at least half a dozen SEVIS termination notices. One such notice stated: “Your SEVIS I-20 record has been terminated for the reason: OTHER – Individual identified in criminal records check and/or has had their VISA revoked. SEVIS record has been terminated.”
The notice further clarified: “The termination was done by SEVP, not our office. We recommend that you contact an immigration attorney to discuss your options.”
The notices often express regret over the method of communication, with one stating: “I am sorry to break this news via email, but we were unable to reach you over the phone and felt it was important to let you know as quickly as possible.”
The same notice explained the lack of detailed information, saying: “OIE does not currently have many answers about the situation other than to say that this seems to be a new approach to visa revocations and legal records checks. We are hearing that similar SEVIS terminations are happening nationwide.”
While the language in most notices is similar, some explicitly instruct students to leave the United States immediately. The notices cite reasons for SEVIS I-20 record terminations, including issues identified during criminal background checks and/or visa revocations. Students are advised to consult an immigration attorney to explore their options.
The international education offices of some colleges have described this wave of visa revocations and legal record reviews as a new approach. One notice elaborated: “OIE does not currently have many answers about the situation other than to say that this seems to be a new approach to visa revocations and legal records checks.”
It also noted the broader scope of the issue, stating: “We are hearing that similar SEVIS terminations are happening nationwide.”
Students employed on campus have been informed that they are no longer eligible to continue working. One notice explicitly warned: “If you happen to have on-campus employment, please note that you would not be eligible to continue working as you do not have active F-1 Status.”
For students registered for the summer or fall semesters, their courses have been removed from their schedules. They have been informed that they can re-register for courses after completing the reinstatement process. Students who wish to complete their degrees without returning to the U.S. have the option to convert their courses to a fully online format. Most notices emphasize that the SEVIS terminations were not initiated by the universities.
Another college notice stated that, per F-1 visa regulations, students must leave the U.S. as soon as possible. It highlighted that there is no grace period from the date of termination, and failure to leave promptly could result in deportation proceedings and the accrual of unlawful presence days. While immigration violations do not affect academic standing, the notice warned of the risk of arrest and detention by immigration authorities.
One notice cautioned: “Please note that all work permits, both on and off campus, are immediately terminated when you fall out of lawful status, and unauthorized employment will make you ineligible for immigration reinstatement. Therefore, please cease any employment immediately.”
Students interested in appealing are advised to contact an immigration attorney promptly. Some notices also provide information about available resources and students’ rights. Since visa revocation notices are sent to the personal email addresses used during visa applications, colleges have noted that they would appreciate students sharing any such notices they receive.
Attorney Bashu Phulara also informed NepYork that the U.S. Embassy has been sending visa revocation notices to Nepali students. He observed that students who obtained their visas through the U.S. Embassy in India appear to be receiving such notices more frequently.
NepYork reviewed a document sent by the U.S. Embassy to a student, which stated: “We are writing to you regarding an important and serious matter concerning your nonimmigrant student visa. On behalf of the U.S. Department of State, the Bureau of Consular Affairs Visa Office informs you that additional information was received after your visa was issued. As a result, pursuant to Section 221(i) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, your student visa has been revoked.”
Section 221(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) grants the Secretary of State or consular officers the authority to revoke an issued visa at their discretion at any time. A visa may be revoked if the holder is deemed ineligible or inadmissible based on new information, such as fraud, misrepresentation, criminal activity, security concerns, or violation of visa conditions. Once revoked, the visa is no longer valid for travel to the U.S., and the revocation is recorded in the Department of State’s system. While visa holders are typically notified, the revocation is effective even without notification. There is generally no right to appeal or judicial review of a visa revocation decision.
The notice further stated that the Bureau of Consular Affairs Visa Office has informed the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which oversees the Student and Exchange Visitor Program and handles deportation proceedings. ICE may notify the student’s Designated School Official about the F-1 visa revocation.
The notice warned that remaining in the U.S. without lawful immigration status could lead to fines, detention, and/or deportation, potentially rendering the individual ineligible for future U.S. visas. It cautioned that deportation could occur at a time that does not allow the individual to secure their property or complete their affairs in the U.S., and that deportees may be sent to countries other than their home country.
Given the severity of the situation, the notice suggested that individuals with revoked visas could demonstrate their intent to leave the U.S. by using the CBP One mobile application. Upon departure, they were advised to present their passport in person to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that issued the visa in order to have it physically canceled. Students were also informed that their current visa is no longer valid, and they would need to apply for a new U.S. visa if they wish to return, with eligibility determined at that time.
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