EB-5 Student Investor ALERT: Important Updates on F-1 Visa Revocations and SEVIS Terminations

What’s Happening? 

F-1 students across several institutions have reported: 

• Visa revocations by the U.S. Department of State. 

• SEVIS record terminations, resulting in immediate loss of lawful status. 

• Port-of-entry denials, especially for students returning from brief international travel. 

These actions appear to be associated with enhanced scrutiny over: 

• Employment violations, including unauthorized work or exceeding permitted hours (particularly in CPT/OPT settings). 

• Non-compliance with full-time study requirements or delayed registration. 

• Associations with certain schools or programs under investigation for compliance issues. 

Why This Matters 

If your F-1 visa is revoked or your SEVIS record is terminated, you could: 

• Be placed out of status immediately. 

• Lose eligibility for OPT, STEM extensions, or future immigration benefits. 

• Be denied re-entry to the United States after travel abroad. 

• Face long-term immigration consequences. 

What You Should Do 

To protect your status: 

• Stay enrolled full-time and attend all classes. Maintain your F-1 status with exactitude. 

• Avoid unauthorized employment. Do not exceed work hour limits or engage in off-campus work without explicit authorization. 

• Communicate with your Designated School Official (DSO) regularly and report any changes to your program or address promptly. Also monitor DSO communications for what your university is advising. For example, some universities are advising students against traveling abroad at this time. Specifically, look for guidance on how students may monitor the validity of the SEVIS I-20 record. 

• Ask the DSO about emergency contact so that you know whom to contact if you find yourself on an enforcement context, whether immigration-related or other. 

• Maintain documentation: Keep records of your I-20s, employment authorizations, and any communications with school officials. Have copies of your I-526E receipt, I-485 receipt, EAD, and Advance Parole documents on your person at all times, for example, on your phone or a hard copy.  

• Think about a “buddy system” where a spouse, friend, or study partner is aware of your schedule and daily whereabouts. Buddies can look out for each other, offer support, and serve as an emergency contact. 

• Filing EB-5 and concurrent AOS may provide another basis for lawful stay in the U.S., but only if this decision is right for you from an immigration standpoint (example, the student is eligible to adjust; has lawful source of funds for investment).  

• Contact CLP immediately if you are a client and receive notice of visa revocation, SEVIS termination, or are approached by immigration officers. 

CLP Is Here to Help 

If you have questions, please contact us. Our team can help assess your situation and take appropriate legal steps to safeguard your future in the U.S. 

Stay safe and informed, 

CLP Investment Immigration Team