US revokes more than 100,000 visas, a record high, affecting students, tourists and workers. Indian applicants face new challenges in education and employment.
US revokes more than 100,000 visas, a record high [Photo: AI Generated]
The US State Department has made headlines with a historic crackdown on visas, revoking over 100,000 in 2025, the largest number in a single year. This move affects students, professionals, and tourists worldwide, with Indians among the most impacted.
Experts say the cancellations signal stricter enforcement of US immigration rules and could disrupt stricter enforcement of US immigration rules and could disrupt education, work, and travel plans for many.
The US State Department has taken the unprecedented step of cancelling over 100,000 visas in 2025, the highest number ever recorded. The move affects students, professionals, tourists, and individuals in special categories.
Indian applicants are among those most impacted, raising concerns for those planning studies, work, or travel in the United States.
The US State Department has cancelled more than 100,000 visas in 2025, the highest number ever recorded. The wave of cancellations is part of an aggressive immigration enforcement push by the Trump administration and continues into early 2026. The move includes student visas, work visas and other categories, aimed at tightening entry to the United States.
In a statement on X, the State Department said:
“BREAKING: The State Department has now revoked over 100,000 visas, including some 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialised visas for individuals who had encounters with U.S. law enforcement for criminal activity. We will continue to deport these thugs to keep America safe.”
The bulk of the cancellations came from travellers on business and tourist visas who overstayed their allowed time in the US or violated visa rules. Criminal offences such as DUI, assault and theft were cited in many cases. Student visas also saw a large number of cancellations.
Among the revoked visas were about 8,000 student visas and around 2,500 special category visas linked to individuals with law enforcement encounters. Experts say this surge more than doubles last year’s figure and signals a major shift in how the US manages foreign visitors.
According to the US government, visa revocations targeted individuals who violated visa conditions, overstayed, or had encounters with US law enforcement. This includes business and tourist travellers, as well as students and others in special categories. Criminal activities such as theft, assault, or DUI were cited as key reasons for cancellation.
Indian students are among the most affected groups. Many Indians hold F‑1 student visas to study in the US. These visas are key for undergraduates, graduates and researchers from India enrolled in American universities.
The US Embassy in India has recently warned visa holders and applicants to obey all local and US laws. Any breach could trigger a revocation and possible deportation.
Students who face sudden cancellations may struggle to return to the US, attend classes, secure internships or continue academic programs. The uncertainty is causing anxiety among families planning education abroad.
Beyond students, Indian professionals stand to feel ripple effects. Many Indian workers are in the US on H‑1B and other work visas, though not all of these have been revoked in the recent crackdown.
Additional policies, such as higher costs for H‑1B applications and stricter scrutiny of work permits, have made travel and employment more difficult. Indians constitute a large share of H‑1B recipients globally. Changes in fee structures and tougher vetting could slow down future professional mobility.
Indian tourists and business visitors also face heightened scrutiny. With visa vetting expanding to include social media checks and extended background reviews, even short‑term applications could be delayed or denied.
Some travellers now must demonstrate stronger ties to India, solid reasons for travel and clear plans to return home after their visit.
The US is a top destination for Indian students, professionals, tourists and families. VISA revocations at this scale could slow education exchanges, reduce remittances and impact long‑term career paths for young Indians.
The evolving policy environment suggests stricter standards will remain. Indian applicants may now need better documentation, clearer evidence of intent, and stronger proof of compliance with all legal norms.
