Visa Revocations/I-20 Terminations for International Students

Frequenly Asked Questions

1. What is a visa?
   A visa is an official document, often a stamp or sticker on a page in an individual’s passport, issued by a country’s government that allows a foreign national permission for a specific time and for a particular purpose such as to work, travel or study. Noncitizens seeking to enter the United States generally are required to obtain a visa prior to entering the country. Having a United States visa allows an individual to travel to a port of entry, airport or land border crossing, and to request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. There are two types of visas: a nonimmigrant visa indicates a temporary stay in the United States, while an immigrant visa indicates an intent to live permanently in the United States.
   
   In the United States there are three primary student visa types: (a) F-1 Student Visa for studying at an accredited college, university, secondary school or English language institute; (b) J-1 Exchange Visa for participation in exchange programs including high school and university study; and (c) M-1 Student Visa for non-academic or vocational study/training.
   
   
2. What is the difference between a visa and status?
   A visa is a travel document issued by a United States consulate or embassy that allows the visa holder to travel to the United States port of entry but does not guarantee entry into the United States. Upon arrival, the individual must present the visa and any other supporting documentation to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. The CBP officer may interview the individual to determine eligibility to enter the United States. If entry is permitted, the CBP officer will provide an admission stamp or update the online Form I-94 record, which indicates the date of admission and the duration of the stay.
   
   Status refers to the formal immigration classification in the United States as indicated on an individual’s I-94 record. It relates to the purpose or reason for entry into the country. For international students specifically, legal status refers to what the student must maintain after they are granted entry, which includes maintaining a full courseload. An individual can only have one immigration status while in the United States. However, an individual can have a visa that is expired while also maintaining their status.
   
   
3. What is visa revocation?
   Visa revocation means that a previously issued visa (in the individual’s passport) is no longer valid for entry or reentry into the United States. If a visa is revoked it could lead to termination of an international student’s SEVIS record, and a termination of the student’s immigration status. A visa can be revoked by a consular officer, the Secretary of State or in certain circumstances by an immigration officer. If a student receives notice that their visa has been revoked, they should contact the Office of International Students & Scholars (910.962.3367) right away.
   
   
4. What is SEVIS?
   SEVIS is a web-based database used by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to collect, track and monitor information regarding exchange visitors, international students and scholars who enter the United States on F, J, or M visas. SEVIS is managed by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security. SEVIS generates and maintains key documents like the Form I-20 for students and Form DS-2019 for exchange visitors, forms required for international students and scholars to maintain lawful presence throughtout their stay in the United States.
   
   
5. What is a SEVIS Record Termination?
   According to DHS, termination of a student’s SEVIS record generally signifies that an international student or exchange visitor’s visa status is no longer valid. This may occur when a student violates their visa conditions, such as failing to maintain full-time enrollment or when a student engages in unauthorized employment. However, terminations may also occur for normal administrative reasons, such as students completing their program of study or withdrawing from the university.
   
   Consequences of a termination of a student’s SEVIS record include the following: the loss of all employment authorization, including curricular practical training (CPT) and optional practical training (OPT); inability to re-enter the United States if the student travels outside of the country; ICE agents may investigate to confirm the departure of the student; and any associated dependent records (F-2 or M-2) are terminated.
   
   
6. Can an international student still study and remain in F-1 status if their visa is revoked?
   International students should contact the Office of International Students & Scholars immediately if they are notified that their visa has been revoked. Students are also encouraged to seek legal advice from an immigration attorney and to contact their consulate as soon as possible upon any notification that their visa has been revoked.
   
   Generally, so long as an international student maintains their legal status (I-20), they may remain in the United States even if their visa is revoked. Maintaining F-1 status depends on meeting the requirements for full-time enrollment in a study program, maintaining a foreign residence, having sufficient funds and other conditions. If the student remains enrolled in their program, their immigration status for educational purposes remains valid.
   
   However, there may be no grace period to leave the United States after a SEVIS record has been terminated. If the student leaves the United States, they will need to obtain a new visa to reenter the country.
   
   
7. What actions is the university able to take if a student’s visa is revoked or their SEVIS record is terminated?
   The UNCW Office of International Students & Scholars is closely monitoring student SEVIS records to identify any unexpected changes. If we become aware of a visa revocation or SEVIS record change that has affected one of our students, we will notify the affected student(s) immediately and provide information and resources.
   
   Visa revocations are challenging and case specific. Therefore, the Office of International Students & Scholars encourages students to seek immediate advice from an experienced immigration attorney regarding next steps, their visa status, travel options and any eligibility for re-admission into the United States.
   
   As a reminder, if a student’s visa is revoked and they choose to leave the United States to travel home or to another country, the student will be required to apply for a new visa if they seek re-entry. Eligibility will be reviewed and there is no guarantee that a new visa will be approved.
   
   
8. Additional Resources for International Students
   AILA Lawyer Referral