USA to Revoke Visas for International Students Skipping Classes and Programs

The policy, part of a broader immigration enforcement initiative, aims to ensure compliance with visa regulations and address concerns about students exploiting their status.According to a statement from DHS, international students who “drop out, skip classes, or leave their program of study without informing their school” risk having their F-1 visa revoked and may face ineligibility for future U.S. visas. 

The policy, highlighted in an advisory from the U.S. Embassy in India, underscores the importance of adhering to visa conditions, such as maintaining full-time enrollment and notifying Designated School Officials (DSOs) of any program changes. 

Failure to comply could lead to immediate termination of a student’s record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), triggering visa revocation and potential deportation. 

The move comes amid a wider immigration crackdown under the current administration, with reports indicating that hundreds of student visas have already been revoked in 2025 for various reasons, including minor legal infractions and alleged national security concerns. 

Immigration attorneys note that the new policy on class attendance adds another layer of scrutiny, with automated systems and data analytics being used to monitor student compliance. 

.“This is a wake-up call for international students to take their visa responsibilities seriously,” said Amy Maldonado, an immigration lawyer based in California. “Even minor lapses, like skipping classes, can now have severe consequences.” 

The DHS has urged students to stay enrolled, attend classes regularly, and communicate with their DSOs to avoid complications. Universities are also being encouraged to provide clearer guidance to international students on visa compliance.