For thousands of Indian students, studying in the United States is a long-cherished dream — one that involves years of preparation, considerable investment, and high hopes from families. However, amidst the excitement of campus life and academic pursuits, many international students remain unaware of the serious consequences of violating the terms of their F-1 visa. Even minor missteps can put your legal status at risk, potentially leading to visa revocation, deportation, or a ban from re-entry.
Here are the most common offenses that can jeopardise your student visa in the US:
1. Working Illegally
F-1 visa holders are only allowed to work under specific conditions:
- On-campus jobs (up to 20 hours/week during school sessions)
- OPT (Optional Practical Training) or CPT (Curricular Practical Training) with prior authorization
Working off-campus without proper clearance, freelancing, or taking up part-time gigs like Uber driving or DoorDash deliveries can be a serious violation, leading to immediate termination of your visa status.
2. Falling Below Full-Time Enrollment
International students must maintain a full course load (typically 12 credits for undergraduates). Dropping a course without approval from your Designated School Official (DSO) can result in being reported to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), putting your legal stay at risk.
3. Academic Dishonesty
Cases of plagiarism, cheating, or falsifying documents are not just academic offenses — they can have immigration consequences too. Universities may expel students for such violations, which would lead to the termination of visa status and potential deportation.
4. Overstaying Your Visa
The grace period after completing your program is 60 days. Staying beyond that — even unintentionally — can be considered unlawful presence, affecting future visa applications and possibly triggering bans of 3 or 10 years depending on the duration of overstay.
5. Not Updating SEVIS Information
A change in address, phone number, or academic program must be reported to your DSO within 10 days. Failure to keep your SEVIS record updated is a breach of visa compliance.
6. Criminal Activity
Arrests or charges for DUIs, theft, assault, or drug possession can immediately disqualify a student from staying in the US. Even if the case is pending, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may initiate removal proceedings.
7. Misuse of Social Media or Fraudulent Claims
Posting false claims of working illegally, planning to overstay, or boasting about hacking the system — even as a joke — can land you in trouble if seen by authorities. Embassies and Homeland Security routinely monitor digital footprints.
8. Violating Travel or Re-Entry Rules
Travelling without valid travel signatures on your I-20, re-entering after status expiration, or failing to carry required documents can result in denial of re-entry at the port of entry.
9. Transferring Schools Without Notification
Planning to move to another college or university? You must inform your current school and get your SEVIS record transferred. Failing to do so can lead to gaps in your status.
10. Taking Online-Only Courses
Post-COVID flexibilities have ended. F-1 students must attend in-person classes, and relying solely on online courses can violate visa terms unless previously approved under exceptional circumstances.
