The United States has canceled nearly 100,000 visas so far this year, including around 8,000 student visas and 2,500 visas belonging to individuals accused of violating US laws in one way or another.
According to the US State Department, more than 100,000 visas have been revoked in 2026 to date. These include approximately 8,000 student visas and about 2,500 special work permits. Officials said the action targets foreign nationals against whom there is evidence of criminal records or legal violations.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, the State Department said deportations and visa cancellations would continue in order to keep the United States safe.
The move comes amid tighter immigration and visa policies introduced during the Trump administration, under which visa holders are now monitored even after entering the US to identify arrests, convictions, or other legal issues.
The canceled visas span multiple categories, including tourist, student, skilled work visas, and other non-immigrant visitor permits. India, which accounts for the largest share of US visa holders, has been directly affected by this policy shift.
According to the US Embassy, Indian nationals were issued more than one million non-immigrant visas for the second consecutive year, reflecting growing demand for travel, education, and employment in the United States.
However, despite the high number of visas issued, a noticeable decline in student visa approvals for Indian applicants was recorded in 2025. Official data shows that stricter screening processes, longer interviews, and tougher verification standards contributed to the drop in student visas.
Indian professionals on work visas such as H-1B are also facing growing uncertainty. A proposal to impose a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications is under consideration and is currently being challenged in US courts.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has acknowledged concerns over visa cancellations, saying it is closely monitoring the situation and remains in contact with affected Indian nationals. New Delhi has also formally raised visa-related issues with Washington.
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