US Revokes Over 100,000 Visas Amid Tougher Immigration Checks

In a surprising move, the United States is quietly cancelling visas at a scale we have not seen in years. And this time, the impact goes far beyond tourists.

In a social media post, the US Department of State has confirmed that more than 100,000 visas have been revoked. This includes student visas, work visas, and short-term visitor visas.

• Over 100,000 visas in total
• Around 8,000 student visas
• About 2,500 specialised visas

The move comes during a wider immigration crackdown under President Donald Trump’s second term.

The message from Washington is clear. Visa rules are being enforced more strictly, and past behaviour is now under sharper scrutiny.

🚨BREAKING: The State Department has now revoked over 100,000 visas, including some 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialized visas for individuals who had encounters with U.S. law enforcement for criminal activity.

We will continue to deport these thugs to keep America safe. pic.twitter.com/wuHVltw1bV

— Department of State (@StateDept) January 12, 2026

Why the US Is Revoking So Many Visas?

According to the US Department of State, many of the revoked visas belong to people who had run-ins with US law enforcement.

These include arrests or charges related to:

• Drunk driving
• Assault and theft
• Drug possession or distribution
• Fraud and child abuse
• Visa overstays

Officials say the goal is public safety. The government is using stronger background checks and faster data sharing between agencies to flag violations that may have been ignored earlier.

This push began with an executive order signed on Trump’s first day back in office. It tightened foreign vetting rules and expanded the government’s power to cancel visas even after entry.

A Sharp Rise Compared to Previous Years

To understand the scale of visa revocation, look at the numbers. In 2024, around 40,000 visas were cancelled. In less than a year, that number has jumped to over 100,000.

Most of the revocations in 2025 involved business and tourist visas. Overstaying a visa has been one of the biggest triggers. What used to result in fines or warnings is now leading straight to cancellation.

Who Is Impacted the Most

Some groups are feeling the impact more than others.

1. Business and tourist visitors

The largest group affected includes people on:

• B1 business visas
• B2 tourist visas
• Combined B1/B2 visitor visas

Many of these visas were revoked because the travellers:

• Stayed in the US beyond their authorised period
• Violated visa rules, such as working without permission

For frequent travellers and business visitors, this is a big warning signal. The days of “a small overstay is no big deal” are basically over.

2. Travellers with criminal charges or convictions

A significant number of visa cancellations involve people who have:

• Been arrested or charged
• Been convicted of certain offences

The offences mentioned include:

• Drunk driving (DUI)
• Assault
• Theft
• Child abuse
• Fraud
• Drug possession and distribution
• Other crimes that raise “public safety” concerns

US authorities are clearly using police and court data more actively to decide whether someone should keep their visa.

3. International students

Students are not exempt from this crackdown. The State Department said:

• Around 8,000 student visas have been revoked overall
• Nearly 500 student visas were cancelled in connection with drug possession and distribution cases

This is a strong signal to international students: even minor criminal issues, especially involving drugs, can lead to losing your visa and being sent home.

4. Specialised and skilled workers

About 2,500 “specialised visas” were cancelled. While exact visa types were not fully detailed, this likely includes categories such as:

• H‑1B and other skilled worker visas
• Certain professional or specialist categories

This ties into a broader H‑1B and skilled-worker visa crackdown, where the US is:

• Re-checking backgrounds
• Reviewing compliance with visa rules
• Taking a tougher line if there is any legal trouble

In many cases, visa holders were already in the US when their visas were cancelled.

What Happens When a US Visa Is Revoked

A revoked visa is no longer valid. You cannot use it to enter or stay in the US.

If you are inside the country, revocation can lead to removal proceedings or pressure to leave voluntarily. If you are outside, you will not be allowed to travel using that visa.

Importantly, a revoked visa can affect future applications. US immigration records retain these decisions for years.

What You Can Do If Your Visa Is Revoked

If this happens to you, act quickly and carefully.

• Read the revocation notice closely. It explains the reason.
• Speak to an immigration lawyer before taking any steps.
• Do not try to travel to the US on a revoked visa.
• If eligible, apply for a new visa only after addressing the issue fully.
• Be honest in future applications. Hiding past revocations almost always makes things worse.

For students and workers, employers and universities should also be informed early.

What This Means for Travellers Going Forward

The US is no longer taking a relaxed view of visa violations. Even old cases are being reviewed. If you hold a US visa, stay compliant. Follow local laws. Do not overstay. And treat your visa as a privilege, not a guarantee.

For travellers planning a US trip in 2026, clean records and careful planning matter more than ever.