Archive · 25 Sep 2025
Surprise Visa Checks Upset F-1 Visa Students
The US government is doing surprise checks on international students who are in the country on F-1 visas.
Officials are looking at documents like school records and job offers to make sure students are following the rules of their visas.
Students with degrees in certain fields may work in their field for up to three years.
If a student is caught breaking the rules, they could have their visa cancelled and be forced to leave the country.
Federal officials conducted surprise checks on F-1 visa holders.
Inspections aimed to verify the legal status of OPT and STEM OPT.
Officers requested various documents from students.
Violations can result in SEVIS record termination and deportation.
Consultancy officials advise students to keep records and follow procedures.
- Who
- FDNS officials and F-1 visa holders
- What
- Surprise checks of F-1 visa holders
- When
- Recently
- Where
- United States
- Why
- Verify legal status and prevent fraud
- Visa Type
- F-1 Visa (for international students)
- Agency Involved
- Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) Directorate
- Purpose of Checks
- Verify legal status and employment eligibility
- Documents Checked
- Transcripts, bank statements, job offers, pay stubs, and Form I-983
- Consequences of Violations
- SEVIS record termination, EAD revocation, and potential deportation
- Additional Program Mentioned
- OPT and STEM OPT
Sources
Are US Work Permits For Foreign Students Now Under Threat After H-1B Visa Fee Hike?
After H-1B fee hike, US Senator calls to end work permits for student visa holders who ‘compete against’ Americans
‘End work authorisation for student visas’: US Senator calls for fresh curbs amid upheaval over H-1B fee
'Puts USA at risk': OPT visas, an Indian favourite, may be next in Trump’s crackdown after H 1B
Trump's Immigration Curbs Make Indian Students Rethink the American Dream
Senators want answers from Big Tech on H-1B workers, layoffs
OPT program criticized for undermining US graduates in the job market, faces risk of termination
H-1B visa fee shock: US lawmakers seek explanation from Apple, Amazon, others on hiring foreign nationals amid layoffs
