Don't Risk Being Deported While On A Student Visa

In the past, students who were attending schools in the United States could be issued visas and this even included students attending online-only schools. However, on July 6th, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced that students who were attending online-only schools would not receive a visa. Fortunately, this rule has been rolled back. However, there are other ways you may risk your status as a student in the US.

Student Visas

Students may remain in the United States on F-1 or M-1 visas. To maintain your student immigrant status, you must follow several rules, and failing to follow these rules could lead to you being deported.

To avoid being deported, you must continue to attend the school that you originally enrolled in. If you make any changes to your plans while attending school, your school's foreign student advisor must approve of the plan. You must be engaged in full-time study and must not reduce the number of classes you are taking without a good reason. If you need a program extension, you must file for it in a timely manner.

You must have permission to switch schools and you also cannot work outside of school without permission. You will have an expected completion date shown on your Form I-20. If this completion date passes and you are still working your campus job, you may be in violation and could be subject to deportation. If you ever violate any of these rules, you absolutely must speak with an immigration attorney.

Criminal Convictions

If you have committed a crime, this might affect your ability to obtain or keep a student visa. This is based on the discretion of the visa officer. However, a very severe crime can make it difficult or impossible to obtain or keep a visa. If there is anything that can be done, you will receive help from an immigration attorney.

There Is Always Someone to Talk To

If you are afraid of being deported, there is always someone you can talk to such as an immigration attorney. For example, if you are sick or pregnant, you may be able to speak with an official so you won't be required to attend school until you are able to. 

Students are often worried about summer break. Once summer break starts, you could choose to return home temporarily. However, students are also allowed to remain in the US during their break. But when in doubt, always speak with an attorney. Reach out to an immigration lawyer today for more information.