An Indian student claims he was banned from traveling to the US and was told that his F-1 visa was being revoked in 2025 which he had no idea about.
An Indian student recently shared a horrific experience on his way to the US after a vacation in the US. When he arrived in Amsterdam from Heidiparade to board JFK Airport, CBP called him and informed him that he could not travel to the United States because his visa had no validity.
The Hyderabad resident was told to contact the local US consulate about what he should do next. But the immediate step was clear: he had to return to India. The student claimed that he had no idea that his F-1 visa would be canceled because he did not have any DUI, traffic violation, or other law and order incidents.The student said he came to the United States in January 2025 on an F1 visa, and after being denied further travel to the United States, he discovered his visa had been revoked in July 2025.
He said he contacted his university and was informed by the university that his I-20 and SEVIS record were active and in good standing.
What is it Form I-20 SEVIS record?
Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) is a document issued by a U.S. school authorized to enroll international students. SEVIS is an abbreviation for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. The SEVIS record is the electronic government record linked to the international student.
Schools update this record throughout the student’s stay. These two things likely remained the same when the F-1 visa was canceled because the SEVIS record and compliance with the F-1 rules determine whether the student maintains status within the United States, while the visa is intended to enter the United States.
What to do in such cases?
Aside from finding out why the visa was revoked, the first thing students in a similar situation should do is apply for a new F-1 visa. But at the visa interview, they may face questions about canceling the previous visa. Students should not hide the fact that their visa has been canceled during their stay in the United States.
