US Immigration: More Than 100,000 US Visas Cancelled in 2025

US Immigration: The United States has revoked more than 100,000 visas in 2025, marking the highest annual total ever recorded and more than doubling the roughly 40,000 cancellations reported last year. The sharp rise in US visa revocations in 2025 reflects a sweeping enforcement push following a January executive order signed by President Donald Trump that reinstated strict foreign-vetting rules and expanded post-issuance monitoring.

According to the US State Department, the revocations span multiple visa categories, with officials confirming that about 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialised work visas were cancelled during the year. These cases largely involved visa holders who had encounters with law enforcement, including arrests or pending criminal charges.

US Immigration: Tourist and Business Visas Make Up Majority of Cancellations

While student and skilled worker visas have drawn public attention, officials noted that the largest share of US visa revocations in 2025 involved business and tourist visas, particularly cases linked to overstays and violations of entry conditions.

A State Department spokesperson said many revocations occurred after routine reviews flagged legal issues or inconsistencies uncovered through enhanced screening. Among specialised workers, cited offences included driving under the influence, assault, theft, fraud, and drug-related violations.

Continuous Vetting Expands Government Oversight

The enforcement surge coincides with the rollout of a “continuous vetting” system, a major policy shift that allows authorities to review visa holders even after they enter the United States. In August 2025, the department confirmed it was reviewing the status of approximately 55 million foreign nationals holding valid US visas.

Officials said the system enables real-time monitoring using updated criminal, immigration, and compliance data, allowing faster action when risks are identified. Reviews under this framework are expected to remain active into 2026.

US Immigration: Public Charge Rule Returns to Enforcement

The drive also includes renewed application of the “public charge” rule, which permits visas to be denied or revoked if applicants are deemed likely to rely on public benefits. Factors considered include age, health, financial stability, education, employment history, and English proficiency.

Authorities said the rule is being applied alongside other screening measures to ensure visa holders meet eligibility standards throughout their stay.

Concerns Raised by Universities and Employers

The scale of US visa revocations in 2025 has drawn concern from universities, employers, and immigration advocacy groups. Many warn that sudden cancellations could disrupt academic programmes, research projects, and critical workforce needs.

Earlier student visa revocations this year prompted legal challenges and calls for clearer procedural safeguards, with critics arguing that some affected individuals were not given adequate opportunity to respond before losing legal status.