On April 25, 2025, the Department of Justice announced in federal court that many students studying in the United States on F-1 visas whose status was recently changed to “Terminated” for “criminal records” reasons will have their status restored, at least for the time being.
Over the last month, Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records of certain students studying in the United States on F-1 visas reflected a status change to “Terminated.” The termination reason often stated “OTHERWISE FAILING TO MAINTAIN STATUS — Individual identified in criminal records check and/or has had their VISA revoked. SEVIS record has been terminated.” Many students who were affected challenged the change in court.
In light of this announcement, schools should check the current status of students who experienced this change and alert them if their status was restored. Alternatively, schools may consider reaching out to their international students to advise them of this change. McGuireWoods continues to monitor immigration issues impacting students.
