The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu has issued a warning to visa holders, emphasizing the severe repercussions of breaking U.S. laws while in the country. This warning comes after the visa revocation of dozens of Nepali students in the USA.
The embassy’s message targets Nepali citizens and other visa holders, urging them to adhere strictly to U.S. laws to protect their immigration status and future travel opportunities.
“Breaking U.S. laws can have serious consequences for your visa. If you are arrested or violate any laws, your visa may be revoked, you may be deported, and you could be ineligible for future U.S. visas. Follow the rules and don’t jeopardize your travel. A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right,” the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu warns. Other U.S. embassies are also issuing similar types of warnings regarding visa revocation.
“If you are arrested, your U.S. visa may be revoked, you may be deported, and you could be ineligible for future travel,” the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu further warns.
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.
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.
NepYork reached out to the U.S. State Department for clarification on the matter. The State Department cited criminal record checks as the reason for the significant revocation of Nepali student visas.
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.”
In recent months, the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu has ramped up its efforts to caution Nepali citizens against a range of immigration-related violations. In a previous statement, the embassy also warned against attempting illegal travel to the U.S. border, describing the journey as highly dangerous and often deadly.
“The journey to the U.S. border is not only illegal—it’s life-threatening,” the embassy noted, highlighting that migrants are frequently targeted by criminal groups, human traffickers, and cartels. “Many never make it to their destination, leaving their families in deeper financial and emotional distress.”
Additionally, the embassy had warned of serious concerns over increasing cases of visa fraud, particularly in non-immigrant and Diversity Visa (DV) applications. It warned that submitting false information or forged documents can lead to a lifetime ban from entering the United States, along with possible criminal prosecution.
“Consular officers are trained to detect the latest scams and fake documents,” the statement read. “If you misrepresent facts, you not only risk visa denial but also permanent ineligibility and legal consequences.”
The embassy has seen a troubling rise in fraudulent submissions, including forged academic credentials and discrepancies in personal information such as marital status. Some individuals who successfully entered the U.S. with fraudulent details have later faced denial of citizenship, visa revocation, or even deportation proceedings.
Employment-based green card applicants have also come under greater scrutiny, with the embassy noting a rise in fake documents being used to support applications in that category.
“Visa fraud is a serious crime,” the embassy reiterated in a social media post. “Trying to cheat the system by using fake documents, lying on applications, or overstaying your visa will result in harsh penalties—including a permanent ban from the United States.”
The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu continues to urge all applicants to follow the rules, submit accurate information, and respect the legal process to avoid life-altering consequences.
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Susan Shrestha
View More PostsSusan Shrestha covers a wide range of topics, from local matters to global affairs.
