‘A privilege, not a right’: US Embassy issues warning to student visa holders

In a post shared on X, the US Embassy said, “Breaking U.S. laws can have serious consequences for your student visa. If you are arrested or violate any laws, your visa may be revoked, you may be deported, and you could be ineligible for future U.S. visas.”

It further stressed that a US visa is a privilege, not a right.

Breaking U.S. laws can have serious consequences for your student visa. If you are arrested or violate any laws, your visa may be revoked, you may be deported, and you could be ineligible for future U.S. visas. Follow the rules and don’t jeopardize your travel. A U.S. visa is a… pic.twitter.com/A3qyoo6fuD

— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) January 7, 2026

Earlier warning issued for H-1B, H-4 visa applicants

Last week, the US Embassy had issued a warning for applicants seeking H-1B and H-4 work visas.

It said violations of US immigration laws could attract significant criminal penalties, signalling a broader tightening of visa compliance enforcement.

The latest advisory comes amid the Donald Trump-led US government’s intensified crackdown on illegal immigration. The administration has also toughened scrutiny of both student visas and H-1B work visas as part of wider immigration policy changes.

Amid tightening visa norms, new international student enrolments in the United States fell by 17 per cent last year.

Earlier, Piyush Kumar, Regional Director, South Asia, Canada and Latin America (LATAM), IDP Education, had said enquiries from Indian students looking to study in the US have plunged by over 46 per cent in just one year, while interest in Canada has nosedived nearly 75 per cent over the past two years.

Visa delays hit H-1B applicants from India

Meanwhile, H-1B visa applicants, who seek employment-based entry into the US, are facing unprecedented waiting periods.

Several visa appointments at US consulates in India have been cancelled or pushed back by months following recent policy changes.

Earlier, in December 2025, the US Embassy in India had issued a stern advisory to visa applicants, days after widespread scheduling changes.

In a post on its official X account, the US Embassy in India had warned that anyone turning up at the embassy or consulates on their original appointment date after receiving an email about a reschedule will be denied entry.