Indian Students May Lose US Visa Eligibility For Dropping Out, Skipping Classes

The United States on Tuesday issued a warning to Indian students studying in the country that they may lose eligibility for future US visas if they drop out, skip classes, or leave their program of study without informing their school.

"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," said a statement posted on the X handle of the US embassy in India.

It advised Indian students in the US to "always adhere to the terms of your visa and maintain your student status to avoid any issues".

The notice comes amid drastic measures to curb legal and illegal immigration by the Trump administration in the US. The government has raised the heat on prominent American universities like Harvard to limit the flow of foreign students.

American universities attract a large number of Indian students. In 2023, the US consular team in India had issued over 1.4 lakh student visas -- more than in any other country -- setting a record for the third year in a row.

Earlier this month, the US Embassy in New Delhi said "thousands of student visa appointments" are available across its mission in India. The embassy also shared a link to a webpage where country-wise details related to visa appointment availability can be accessed by applicants.

Besides, Washington has imposed visa restrictions on owners, executives, and senior officials of travel agencies in India for knowingly facilitating “illegal immigration” to the country.

The US Department of State is "taking steps today to impose visa restrictions on owners, executives, and senior officials of travel agencies based and operating in India for knowingly facilitating illegal immigration to the United States".

"Our immigration policy aims not only to inform foreign nationals about the dangers of illegal immigration to the United States but also to hold accountable individuals who violate our laws, including facilitators of illegal immigration,” the State Department said, adding that enforcing US immigration laws and policies is critical to upholding the rule of law and protecting Americans.