The US Embassy in India on Tuesday issued a strong advisory to international students, cautioning that failing to attend classes or dropping out without notifying their academic institution could lead to visa cancellation and may impact future visa applications.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the embassy stated: “If you drop out, skip classes, or leave your program of study without informing your school, your student visa may be revoked, and you may lose eligibility for future U.S. visas. Always adhere to the terms of your visa and maintain your student status to avoid any issues.”
This advisory follows a recent notification by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on May 17, which reminded students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) to report their employment within 90 days of starting the program. Non-compliance could result in the termination of their status in the SEVIS system.
ICE also warned that violations such as unauthorized breaks or poor academic attendance could lead to deportation, loss of OPT benefits, and jeopardize chances of securing future visas like H-1B, L-1, or even permanent residency.
The warning comes at a time when Indian students have overtaken their Chinese counterparts for the first time in 15 years to become the largest group of international students in the US. According to the 2024 Open Doors Report, over 3.31 lakh Indian students were enrolled in US institutions during the 2023–24 academic year—a 23% rise from the previous year.
The advisory is also part of a broader tightening of immigration enforcement in the US, with schools advising international students to avoid unnecessary travel due to the risk of visa complications.
