Revocation means that your visa is no longer valid and cannot be used to re-enter the U.S. Visas may be revoked at the U.S. government’s discretion. However, this typically occurs only under extreme circumstances.
Impact on Status
If your visa is revoked, it does not impact your F-1 or J-1 status. You may continue to live in the U.S. and study at Georgia Tech so long as you maintain your I-20 or DS-2019 form.
Impact on Travel
If your visa is revoked and you leave the U.S. to travel home or to another country, you will have to apply for a new visa prior to attempting to re-enter the U.S.
Seeking legal counsel
Visa revocations are challenging and case-specific. OIE suggests that students seek advice from an experienced immigration lawyer if they need legal advice about their visa status, travel options, and eligibility for admission to the United States.
Visa Revocation due to Alcohol-Related Offense
Effective late 2015, a new policy was implemented by the Department of State. If you are arrested for or convicted of Driving Under the Influence of alcohol (DUI) or another alcohol-related offense within the past five years or since your last visa issuance (whichever was most recent), your visa may be revoked.
How do you know if this impacts you?
The Department of State is supposed to notify individuals in this circumstance; however, communication may not always happen. Therefore, it is best to assume that if you have been arrested or convicted of a DUI-related offense, this policy may apply to you. If you are still unsure then you can contact the U.S. embassy or consulate that issued your visa directly as only they are able to verify the validity of your visa.
Note: The government will not inform OIE or Georgia Tech if your visa is revoked and we do not have any way to verify whether or not your visa was revoked.
This is a reminder that if your visa is revoked and you leave the U.S. to travel home or to another country, you will have to apply for a new visa. Your eligibility for the visa will be reviewed and a medical examination by a physician authorized by the Department of State may be required. As always, there is no guarantee that your visa will be approved.