Important Visa & SEVIS Updates for International Students

If you’re an international student currently in the U.S. on an F, M, or J visa—or planning to apply—it’s important to be aware of new guidance from the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the  recent trends involving SEVIS terminations. These changes may affect your visa eligibility or status, even if you feel you haven't done anything wrong.

New Visa Review Guidelines Announced

In late March 2025, the U.S. Department of State issued new instructions to consular officers about reviewing F, M, and J visa applications. Secretary Rubio stated visas are being revoked daily based on the new guidance.

Here's what’s changed:

• DOS officers are now directed to deny student visa applications if they believe the applicant may come to the U.S. to engage in unlawful activity, or if their intended activity doesn’t match what they claimed in the application.

• Officers may deny a visa under INA 214(b) if they believe the applicant cannot credibly show that all their U.S. activities will match the visa’s purpose.

• Officers are instructed to review social media profiles of certain applicants and take screenshots to store in the visa file. You may be referred for this if:

• You have advocated for a designated foreign terrorist organization;

• You were in F-1, M-1, or J-1 status in the U.S. between October 7, 2023 and August 31, 2024;

• Your SEVIS record was terminated between October 7, 2023 and the present.

The cable says officers can use things like hostile comments toward the U.S. or its culture as a reason to question visa eligibility.

Additionally, existing visas are being reviewed for possible revocation under this same guidance. Once in the US, consular officers cannot revoke a visa directly (with exceptions for DUI and related charges) —but the Department of State still has the power to do so under its general authority.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio summarized in his remarks, "if visitors to the country take activities that are counter to our foreign - to our national interest, to our foreign policy, we'll revoke the visa." "If we knew this information about them before we gave them the visa, would we have allowed them in? And if the answer is no, then we revoke the visa."

If a visa is revoked, the student should receive an email to the address used when applying for the visa. It is critical to check that email account regularly.

USCIS Screening Alien's Social Media Activity for Antisemitism

Additionally, on April 9, 2025, USCIS announced that they will consider applicants' antisemitic activity on social media as grounds for denial of benefits. This immediately affects foreign students, applicants for lawful permanent residence, and persons affiliated with educational institutions linked to antisemitic activity.

SEVIS Terminations by ICE: What You Need to Know

As of April 7, 2025, advocacy groups have reported that ICE has started terminating SEVIS records for some international students and a few exchange visitors. This includes students:

• Who have had their visas revoked by the Department of State;

• had any law enforcement interaction;

• Who have engaged in protests or activism counter to US foreign policy or interests.

Typically, universities—not the government—terminate SEVIS records. However, in these recent cases, ICE is acting directly. The issue? Students and their schools are often not notified. Most students only find out when their visa has already been revoked, or when their school sees a SEVIS error during routine checks.

USCIS Policy Change on Unlawful Presence

USCIS recently updated its policy on when unlawful presence starts for students admitted for "D/S" (duration of status). On January 25, 2025, USCIS updated their site to reflect that unlawful presence begins the day after your status ends—not when USCIS formally finds a violation. They interpret this as the day after the student is no longer pursuing a full course of study or otherwise violates the terms of student visa status. It is important to maintain proper status and monitor updates from your school and the government.

What Should You Do?

If you’re an international student or recently had a SEVIS termination or visa issue, here are some key steps:

1. Check your email regularly, especially the one used in your visa application.

2. Gather important documents, including:

• All I-20s (download them and take screenshots of your SEVIS record)

• Passport and visa copies

• I-94 and travel history

• Copies of any Employment Authorization Documents (EADs)

3.  Talk to your DSO (Designated School Official):

• Ask if your SEVIS record shows an option for reinstatement.

• If it’s grayed out, ask for a screenshot.

• If reinstatement is possible, ask if they’ll support it.

• If yes, act quickly to get a reinstatement I-20 and file Form I-539.

4. Be cautious if you have open criminal charges or unauthorized work, as reinstatement may not be possible.

5. Stay enrolled in school during the reinstatement process, which may limit options for students who have already graduated and are on OPT.

6. Talk to an immigration attorney, as reinstatement is not for everyone and requires an admission of a status violation, which may not be possible.

It is critical to stay informed and in touch with your DSO and legal representative. If you have questions about your visa or SEVIS record, consult an experienced immigration attorney as soon as possible.