Skipping classes or dropping out could lead to revocation of visa: US

NEW DELHI: Skipping classes – or dropping out without informing the school – could lead to the revocation of student visa and even loss of eligibility for future American visas, the United States embassy here warned students. It also urged students to always adhere to the terms of their visa.“If you drop out, skip classes, or leave your programme of study without informing your school, your student visa may be revoked, and you may lose eligibility for future US visas,” the embassy said on X. “Always adhere to the terms of your visa and maintain your student status to avoid any issues,” it added.The Trump administration was reported to have revoked the visas of hundreds of foreign students last month, often without any warning as media reports from the US said. Many students have sued the US govt, accusing it of cancelling visas without any prior notice.Defending mass revocation of student visas, secretary of state Marco Rubio had said earlier that visa is a privilege and not a right. “If you apply for a student visa to come to the United States and you say you’re coming not just to study, but to participate in movements that vandalise universities, harass students, take over buildings, and cause chaos, we’re not giving you that visa,” he had said.The Indian govt had said last month it was aware that several Indian students had received communication from the US govt regarding their F-1 student visa status, adding the Indian embassy and consulates were in touch with students to provide support.In 2023, the US consular team in India issued over 1,40,000 student visas – more than any other country – setting a record for the third year in a row. The same year, the US Mission in India processed a record 1.4 million visas.