US cancels over 100,000 visas in 2025, Indian students face delays and uncertainty

The US government revoked more than 100,000 visas in 2025, including around 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialised visas , as part of an intensified crackdown on immigration citing criminal activity.

The State Department said in a social media post that the revocations targeted individuals who had encounters with US law enforcement for crimes such as assault, theft, drunken driving, fraud, child abuse, substance abuse, and drug distribution. Nearly 500 students had their visas cancelled for possession or distribution of drugs. According to State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott , the action was part of a broader effort to protect public safety and national security.

The number of visas revoked in 2025 is more than double the 40,000 cancelled in 2024 , the final year of former President Joe Biden’s administration. While most revocations affected business and tourist travellers who overstayed their visas, thousands of students and specialised workers lost permission to stay due to legal or criminal concerns. Among specialised workers, 50 % were revoked for drunken driving arrests, 30 % for assault, battery, or confinement, and the remaining 20 % for theft, child abuse, substance abuse and distribution, fraud, and embezzlement.

Indian nationals were among those significantly affected by the visa revocations. A report earlier in 2025 said the US revoked around 4,736 SEVIS student records , and over 300 Indian student visas were directly cancelled, with Indians accounting for roughly half of the reported revocations in a sample of cases tracked by legal groups .

While official overall nationality data for all 100,000+ revoked visas isn’t publicly disclosed, legal and immigration sources noted Indian students and professionals feature prominently among those impacted, followed by students and workers from China, Nepal, and other major sending countries who traditionally make up large portions of US international visa holders.

To enforce stricter screening, the Trump administration has introduced a new “continuous vetting centre” and enhanced the review of H‑1B, H‑4, and student visa applications. From December 15, 2025 , applicants’ social media accounts and online presence are being checked as part of security and eligibility verification. Several visa interviews scheduled across India have been postponed, leaving many applicants stranded.

Experts say these measures will have significant implications for Indian students and workers . Visa approvals may face delays or denials , particularly for those with minor legal or disciplinary issues. Students may see disrupted academic plans , while professionals seeking H‑1B or specialised visas could encounter stricter compliance requirements. Many may explore alternative destinations such as Canada or Australia due to growing uncertainty.

The US State Department reiterated that visas are a privilege, not a right , and said it will continue its “aggressive” enforcement to keep America safe.