What is a visa revocation?
A visa revocation means the U.S. Department of State canceled a visa, rendering it invalid for entering or re-entering the United States.
How do I know if my visa has been revoked?
Typically, students are contacted via email by the U.S. Department of State at the address they listed on their initial visa application, but this is not always the case. You can check the status of your visa application online through the U.S. Department of State's Visa Status Check portal (CEAC Status Check) or by contacting the U.S. embassy or consulate that issued your visa directly. The government will not inform the university or Office of International Affairs (OIA) if your visa is revoked or explain why it may have been revoked, nor can the university verify whether or not your visa was revoked.
When is a SEVIS record created?
At the start of the academic semester, international students are registered into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) used by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to track and monitor information about international students while enrolled at a college or university.
What is a status termination?
A SEVIS termination indicates that a student no longer has a legal status in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). If your immigration record is terminated, you will lose all associated benefits of that status, including work authorization (Curricular Practical Training, Optional Practical Training, on-campus jobs) and may face removal proceedings.
Who can terminate a SEVIS/immigration record?
OIA is required to terminate a student’s SEVIS record for a number of reasons, including failure to enroll full time, unauthorized employment, suspension, etc. As of March 2025, the DHS Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has been terminating students’ records. DHS does not inform OIA of these terminations nor does it inform OIA of the specific facts providing the basis for these terminations. We continue to monitor DHS guidance on these issues.
How do I know if my status has been terminated by SEVP?
OIA has access to a list of terminated records in SEVIS and checks several times per day to see when new records are added. If your record has been terminated by SEVP, OIA will notify you with next steps and advise you to contact Student Legal Services or a qualified immigration attorney as soon as possible.
Will the government or anyone else call me to verify my immigration status?
No. You will not be proactively called and asked to verify your immigration status. An increasing number of international students are targeted by scams. The most common scams encountered are those involving immigration, tuition, taxes, employment and travel. Please be suspicious if anyone demands that you wire them money. Do not share your personal (SSN, passport number, date of birth) or financial information (debit/credit card number, bank account number) with unknown persons, and remember that government officials will never call you and ask you for money or threaten deportation. If you fall victim to a scam, contact law enforcement by calling 614-292-2121 or 614-645-4545. Visit go.osu.edu/avoidscams for more information.
I have a valid visa and an active immigration record. Is it safe to travel?
Currently, the federal government has not communicated any new or renewed travel restrictions. However, please keep in mind that changes in federal travel regulations or policies may evolve and have the potential to affect reentry to the United States for some students and scholars. Travelers are responsible for ensuring that they meet exit/entry requirements and carry the appropriate documentation. Please be prepared for heightened scrutiny from government officials when leaving or returning to the United States. If you have concerns about potential complications, it may be safest to avoid international travel.
Am I able to reach OIA if I have difficulties while traveling?
You can reach an immigration specialist Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (EST). by calling 614-292-6101 or after hours and on weekends by calling the Ohio State police non-emergency line at 614-292-2121.
What if I have a question that is not answered here?
OIA does want to hear your concerns and staff are happy to speak with you and refer you to other campus services. Please feel free to schedule an advising appointment Monday-Friday from 1 – 4 p.m., call 614-292-6101 or email iss@osu.edu.
For more information about immigration, travel and ICE guidance, visit Ohio State's Key Issues web page and select immigration.