How to Fight Back and Keep Studying in the US After SEVIS Termination

With the sudden termination of 4,700 student visas under SEVIS violations in the USA since January 2025, there is widespread fear among the Indian student community. While the reasons for SEVIS termination may be severe or not, applicants are still at risk of deportation. We will discuss the reasons for SEVIS termination and how Indian applicants can respond or appeal to student visa revocations. 

The U.S. immigration for international students is facing unprecedented scrutiny and change, especially with recent mass SEVIS terminations and ongoing policy shifts. If you’ve received a SEVIS termination notice while studying in the US, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, but it’s crucial to know that you have options to appeal for your rights. Here’s an in-depth guide to understanding why SEVIS records get terminated, what to do next, and how to protect your academic future in the US.

Current Developments: SEVIS Scrapping and Record Restoration

In light of recent mass terminations and policy changes, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) abruptly terminated 4,736 SEVIS records for international students (mostly F-1 visa holders) since January 2025, due to minor or dismissed law enforcement interactions.

• AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association) data show that 50% of the 327 termination reports involved Indian nationals.
• The revocations affected students across more than 240 US colleges, with at least 1,550 visa revocations confirmed via university reports.
• Around 133 Indian students have primarily secured temporary restraining orders (TROs) that reinstated their SEVIS records.
• Over 70 lawsuits have been filed across 21 states, with at least 45 TROs granted.
• US states badly affected by SEVIS terminations include Texas, California, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Arizona, Illinois, Massachusetts, Florida and Virginia.

Many affected students lost their job offers, OPT authorisation, faced deportation fears, and experienced travel and work disruptions, even for minor infractions like parking tickets or traffic stops. But now, as of June 2025, DHS has begun restoring SEVIS records that were terminated in error. 

Impacted students are being contacted directly, but ongoing monitoring and legal guidance remain essential, as future status or visa challenges may arise as policies evolve. Stay in close contact with your school’s international office and your attorney for up-to-date advice.

Why SEVIS Termination Matters?

A SEVIS termination is not just a bureaucratic hindrance—it can have immediate and severe consequences on student visa holders in USA:

• You may be considered “out of status” and subject to deportation. In turn, losing your legal status to study and stay in USA for full-time study. 
• Any OPT, CPT, or on-campus employment is immediately cancelled. Thus, a loss of work authorisation. 
• A termination can significantly complicate future US visa applications and hamper travel as well.
• You may have little or no grace time to resolve the issue or leave the country.
• Loss of money on tuition fees that have already been submitted to the designated US universities upon enrollment.

Based on these consequences, terminating SEVIS can be a challenging process. But what are the reasons that lead to such harsh steps? Check out the reasons for student visa termination under the SEVIS rules in the next section.  

Why SEVIS Terminations Happen: Common Reasons

SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) terminations can occur for various reasons, ranging from simple administrative errors to serious violations of student visa conditions. According to official guidance, there are 21 reasons for termination. And these are as follows, along with why they are imposed:

For a comprehensive explanation, refer to the official SEVIS termination reasons provided by the US Department of Homeland Security. Also, check out the Latest Social Media Screening Process for US Student Visa Interviews.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Respond & Appeal to SEVIS Termination in USA

If a student's F1, M1, or J1 visa gets revoked, and their SEVIS is terminated, they can appeal through their DSO and escalate to SEVP officials. Here's how you can keep your applicant student visa from actually being revoked:

1. Don't Panic—Keep Records of Everything

• Keep any and all emails, letters, and notices about your SEVIS termination. 
• Download your I-94 record and all immigration documents (I-20 forms, visa, passport, DS-160 form, USCIS notices). 
• Collect academic records (transcripts, proof of enrollment, professor letters). 
• If any legal or disciplinary actions are involved, obtain all relevant documents as well.

2. Figure Out the Actual Reason for Termination.

Contact your Designated School Official immediately to get advice on documentation and procedure, and request a written explanation of the reason for termination, along with all supporting documentation. In some cases, terminations occur due to errors or misunderstandings that may be easily rectified.

3. Try Immediate Solutions

If the termination was an error (such as incorrect identity or a mistake in the paperwork), the DSO can request a correction through SEVIS and provide all supporting documents. If your DSO is not responding or if you suspect a larger problem exists, escalate the matter to a senior advisor or contact the SEVP directly.

4. Legal Channels and Reinstatement

• Reinstatement Application: File the Form I-539 with the USCIS to gain reinstatement to F1 status. It should be done promptly after termination; evidentiary proof of violation on their part should be provided, or evidence of circumstances beyond the applicant's control. Note that there is no premium processing for this application nor can one work while the application is still pending.
• Federal Lawsuit (APA Challenge): If your termination was arbitrary, unlawful, or without due process, your attorney may file a lawsuit pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act.
• Immigration Court Defence: If the Department places you in removal proceedings, you will have the right to appear before an immigration judge and put forth your case.

5. Last Resort: Exit and Reenter

If reinstatement is not possible, you might have to leave the United States, obtain an entirely new I-20, pay the SEVIS fee once again, and apply for a new F-1 visa. This will provide a clean immigration history, but there are some risks, such as the potential denial of the visa. How can last-minute panic be avoided? Here are a few must-dos:

• Keep your eye on SEVIS status, as well as university communications. The sooner you respond, the more you can do about it. 
• Keep well-organised files with all immigration and academic documents.
• Besides online forums or hearsay, always turn to your DSO and an immigration attorney. 
• The stress of the SEVIS termination is real. Align yourself with the campus wellness resources if you need them.

A SEVIS termination is quite serious, but it is far from the end of the road for your academic journey in the United States. With a quick response, proper documentation, intelligence, and timely expert assistance, numerous students have regained their status or found a way forward in their education. Stay calm, stay organised, and know your rights—your education and future are worth fighting for.