The Trump administration says it has revoked more than 300,000 U.S. visas since President Donald Trump began his second term in January 2025. Announced on October 20, 2026, the total signals a rapid expansion of visa enforcement and matters to international students and professionals because a revoked visa can no longer be used to travel to the United States.
Reuters reported that the State Department's cumulative count had risen from more than 175,000 on August 10 to more than 300,000 by October 20. The count increased by at least 125,000 in ten weeks, although the timing of the announcements does not necessarily show when each individual decision was made.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the administration was acting against visa holders who break the law, commit fraud or undermine national security. A White House summary said the total included at least 4,000 revocations connected to birth tourism and 6,000 involving foreign students whom the administration said had committed crimes or had ties to terrorism.
The administration has not provided a complete public breakdown by visa category, nationality or reason in the materials cited here. Reuters also reported criticism from rights advocates who argue that parts of the broader immigration campaign have raised due-process and free-speech concerns.
The U.S. Department of State defines revocation as the cancellation of a visa. A revoked visa cannot be used for future U.S. travel or to request admission at a port of entry.
A visa, however, is not the same document as a person's authorized period of stay after admission. U.S. Customs and Border Protection records that period on Form I-94, while international students also have records in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. The consequences for someone already inside the country can therefore depend on the person's status records, the reason for revocation and any separate enforcement action.
The development comes amid broader screening measures. As of October 1, 2026, the State Department's online-presence review covered applicants in numerous categories, including F and M students, J exchange visitors, H-1B workers and their dependents, and TN professionals.
International students, including those participating in curricular practical training, should continue meeting all F-1 requirements and avoid unauthorized employment. Anyone who receives a revocation notice should contact their designated school official or employer as appropriate, review their I-94 and other immigration records, and obtain case-specific legal guidance before leaving the United States or attempting to return.
This article provides general information and does not constitute individualized immigration advice.