The United States government has wide authority to revoke a visa if a holder breaks any visa conditions or becomes ineligible under US law. Here are ten common reasons a visa can be cancelled.
- Criminal Activity
Any arrest, charge, or conviction can lead to visa revocation. Even minor offences such as DUI arrests may cause cancellation, especially if they raise safety concerns. US consular policy allows automatic revocation in cases involving criminal conduct. - Unauthorised Employment
Working without permission is a serious violation. Tourists or students who take jobs not allowed under their visa type can have their visas cancelled by the State Department. - Failure to Maintain Status
Students who drop below full-time study, workers who lose their jobs, or visitors who overstay their authorised period risk visa revocation. Losing lawful status immediately places a visa in jeopardy. - Security Concerns
Links to organisations or activities considered threats to national security, such as terrorism or espionage, can cause visa cancellation. The State Department can revoke a visa if credible security concerns arise. - Ineligibility Under Immigration Laws
If new facts emerge—such as health problems, fraud, or smuggling—that make a person ineligible under the Immigration and Nationality Act, the visa can be revoked under Section 221(i) of the INA. - Misuse or Public-Charge Concerns
Using a visa for the wrong purpose, like working permanently on a tourist visa or becoming dependent on public funds, violates visa terms and may lead to cancellation. - New Derogatory Information
If background checks reveal new or undisclosed information that makes a person ineligible, consular officers can revoke the visa at any time. - Administrative Errors
A visa can be revoked if issued in error, such as through a clerical mistake or incomplete screening. The Foreign Affairs Manual allows revocation in such cases. - Automatic or Provisional Revocation
Some visas are automatically revoked if the holder fails to update required systems, like the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS). These can sometimes be reinstated once corrected. - Discretionary Revocation
The State Department may revoke a visa at its own discretion if it considers the action necessary to protect US interests, even when no specific legal violation has occurred.
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