A significant number of Nepali students in the United States have faced abrupt visa revocations and terminations of their SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) records, prompting widespread concern within the Nepali community. NepYork reached out to the U.S. State Department for clarification on the matter. A spokesperson for the department provided insight into its policies, emphasizing the rigorous vetting processes that underpin visa revocations while maintaining discretion regarding individual cases.
The spokesperson underscored the confidentiality surrounding visa matters, stating, “Due to privacy and other considerations, and visa confidentiality, we generally will not comment on Department actions with respect to specific cases.”
Addressing the broader context of the revocations, the spokesperson elaborated: “The Department of State conducts comprehensive vetting, which includes the review of criminal records of visa holders. As the Secretary has said, ‘You commit a crime while you’re in this country; your visa’s gone.’”
Reports from Nepali students in the U.S. indicate that the revocations have affected a substantial number of individuals, many of whom also lost their SEVIS records — critical for maintaining legal student status. Immigration attorneys estimate that at least 100 Nepali students may have been impacted, though the exact scale remains unclear. The State Department spokesperson added, “Because the process is ongoing, the number of revocations is dynamic. The Department generally does not provide statistics on visa revocations.”
The spokesperson further clarified the department’s operational approach: “The Department revokes visas every day to secure America’s borders and keep our communities safe—and will continue to do so.”
Regarding notification procedures, the spokesperson explained, “While the Department is not generally required to notify a visa holder that his or her visa has been revoked, we do so when we determine it is practicable. The Department also notifies DHS of revocation actions.”
Emphasizing inter-agency collaboration, the spokesperson stated: “The Department of State will continue to work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to enforce zero tolerance for aliens in the United States who violate U.S. laws, threaten public safety, or in other situations where warranted.”
On Thursday, at least three New York-based attorneys told NepYork that a significant number of Nepali students had their SEVIS records terminated this week, with most terminations reportedly occurring over just a few days.
Some Nepali students received email notifications from the U.S. Embassy informing them of visa revocations, while others were informed by their colleges that their SEVIS records had been terminated. The SEVIS system is a U.S. government database used to track international students and exchange visitors. Termination of a SEVIS record renders the individual’s visa status invalid, potentially resulting in the loss of legal permission to remain or study in the United States.
Attorney Avima Upreti told NepYork that more than two dozen Nepali students contacted her within a week after receiving SEVIS termination notices. She noted that the students are extremely distressed and have not been provided with detailed reasons for the terminations. The notices stated that the SEVIS records were terminated by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
Similarly, attorney Bashu Phulara told 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 said students are confused and legal options are being explored.
NepYork reviewed at least half a dozen SEVIS termination notices. One such notice read: “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.”
These notices often express regret about the method of communication. One stated: “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.”
Another notice explained the lack of specific details: “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.”
Some notices explicitly instruct students to leave the United States immediately. Reasons cited for SEVIS I-20 record terminations include issues identified during criminal background checks and/or visa revocations. Students are advised to consult immigration attorneys to explore their options.
The international education offices at some colleges have described this wave of visa revocations and legal record reviews as a new federal 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: “We are hearing that similar SEVIS terminations are happening nationwide.”
Students employed on campus have been informed they are no longer eligible to work. One notice 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 summer or fall semesters, their course enrollments have been canceled. They have been told they may re-register after completing the reinstatement process. Those wishing to continue their studies without returning to the U.S. have been offered 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, under F-1 visa regulations, students must leave the U.S. as soon as possible. It emphasized that there is no grace period following termination and warned that failure to leave promptly could result in deportation proceedings and the accrual of unlawful presence. While such violations do not affect academic standing, the notice warned of potential 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 the decision are advised to contact an immigration attorney promptly. Some notices include information about available resources and students’ rights. Since visa revocation notices are sent to the personal email addresses used during visa applications, colleges have asked students to share such notices if received.
Attorney Bashu Phulara also told NepYork that visa revocation notices are being sent to Nepali students by the U.S. Embassy. He observed that students who obtained their visas from 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 any time at their discretion. A visa may be revoked if the holder is deemed ineligible or inadmissible due to new information, such as fraud, misrepresentation, criminal activity, security concerns, or violations 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 legally 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 manages deportation proceedings. ICE may also 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, and may render the individual ineligible for future U.S. visas. It cautioned that deportation could occur without time to manage personal affairs and that individuals may be removed to countries other than their home country.
Given the severity of the situation, the notice suggested that students demonstrate their intent to depart the U.S. by using the CBP One mobile application. Upon departure, students are 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. The notice emphasized that the current visa is no longer valid and that students would need to apply for a new visa if they wish to return, with eligibility determined at that time.
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Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
