Over 100,000 visas are revoked by the US due to stricter immigration regulations.
Over 100,000 visas have been revoked by the US in less than a year, affecting skilled professionals, tourists, and students. This article explains why it is occurring, who is most impacted, and what holders of canceled visas should be aware of.
Surprisingly, the US is discreetly canceling visas on a scale not seen in years. This time, the effects extend well beyond visitors.
The US Department of State has acknowledged that over 100,000 visas have been revoked in a social media post. This covers short-term visitor visas, work visas, and student visas.
More than 100,000 visas overall
Approximately 8,000 student visas
Approximately 2,500 specialized visas
The action is part of President Donald Trump's broader immigration crackdown during his second term.
Washington's message is very clear. Visa regulations are being enforced more rigorously, and previous actions are now being closely examined.
Why Are So Many Visas Being Revoked by the US?
The US Department of State claims that a large number of the canceled visas belong to individuals who have run afoul of US law enforcement.
These consist of detentions or accusations pertaining to:
Driving under the influence
Theft and assault
Possession or distribution of drugs
Child abuse and fraud
Overstaying a visa
Public safety is the aim, according to officials. Stronger background checks and quicker data sharing between agencies are being used by the government to identify infractions that could have gone unnoticed in the past.
An executive order signed on Trump's first day back in office marked the start of this campaign. It increased the government's authority to revoke visas even after admission and tightened international vetting regulations.
A Significant Increase in Relation to Prior Years
Examine the figures to get a sense of the scope of visa revocation. About 40,000 visas were revoked in 2024. That figure has increased to more than 100,000 in less than a year.
In 2025, business and tourist visas accounted for the majority of revocations. One of the main causes has been overstaying a visa. What once led to warnings or fines now directly leads to cancelation.
Who Is Most Affected
The effects are more noticeable to some groups than to others.
1. Travelers and business travelers
The majority of those impacted are those on:
B1 business visas
B2 visas for tourists
B1/B2 combined visitor visas
Many of these visas were cancelled due to the travelers':
stayed in the US longer than permitted
violated visa regulations, such as working without authorization
This is a major red flag for frequent travelers and business travelers. "A small overstay is no big deal" is essentially a thing of the past.
2. Travelers who have been charged or convicted of a crime
A sizable portion of visa cancellations involve individuals who have:
been detained or accused
been found guilty of specific crimes
Among the offenses listed are:
DUI, or drunk driving
Theft and Assault
Abuse of children and fraud
Drug distribution and possession
Additional offenses that cause "public safety" concerns
It is evident that police and judicial data are being used increasingly frequently by US officials to determine whether a person should maintain their visa.
3. Students from other countries
This crackdown does not spare students. According to the State Department:
In total, almost 8,000 student visas have been cancelled.
Drug possession and distribution convictions resulted in the cancellation of over 500 student visas.
This sends a clear message to overseas students: even small crimes, particularly those involving narcotics, can result in the loss of your visa and deportation
4. Skilled and specialized personnel
Approximately 2,500 "specialized visas" were revoked. Although the precise sorts of visas were not specified, they probably fall under the following categories:
H-1B and other visas for skilled workers
Some categories that are specialized or professional
This is related to a larger crackdown on skilled worker and H-1B visas, where the US is:
Verifying backgrounds again
Examining adherence to visa regulations
Taking a more assertive stance in the event of legal issues
Visa holders were frequently already in the United States when their visas were revoked.
What Takes Place Upon Revocation of a US Visa
A revoked visa is void. It cannot be used to enter or remain in the United States.
Revocation may result in removal procedures or pressure to leave the country willingly if you are already there. You won't be able to use that visa to travel if you are outside.
Crucially, a canceled visa may have an impact on subsequent applications. These rulings are kept for years in US immigration databases.
How to Proceed If Your Visa Is Revoked
Take prompt, cautious action if this occurs to you.
Pay special attention to the revocation notification. It clarifies the cause.
Consult an immigration attorney before proceeding.
A revoked visa should not be used to enter the United States.
Apply for a new visa only after resolving the matter completely, if you qualify.
In subsequent applications, be truthful. It is virtually always worse to conceal previous revocations.
Universities, employers, and students should all be notified in advance.
What This Signifies for Future Travelers
The US no longer views visa infractions with indifference. Even older cases are being examined. Remain compliant if you have a US visa. Observe local laws. Avoid staying too long. Additionally, view your visa as a privilege rather than a certainty.
Clean records and meticulous preparation are more important than ever for anyone contemplating a trip to the United States in 2026.
