If F-1 visa holders overstay illegally in the U.S., they may face consequences such as deportation, a re-entry ban, and negative impacts on future visa applications.
If an F-1 student continues to stay in the U.S. after their status becomes invalid, it will be considered "unlawful presence."
Direct Consequences of Unlawful Presence
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Deportation: You may be deported from the U.S.
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Re-entry Ban: If you accumulate more than 180 days of unlawful presence after a single entry, you will be banned from entering the U.S. for 3 or 10 years.
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Permanent Ban: If you accumulate more than 1 year of unlawful presence, whether from a single or multiple entries, you will be permanently barred from entering the U.S.
Long-Term Consequences of Unlawful Presence
Having a history of unlawful presence can significantly impact your future development in the U.S.:
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A record of unlawful presence can reduce your chances of obtaining a U.S. visa;
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Even if you obtain a new visa, it can hinder your chances of passing through customs;
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Unlawful presence can affect your rights to work in the U.S., including OPT and H-1B applications;
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It can also negatively impact your future green card application.
* If you believe you have violated F-1 regulations,, you should immediately consult an immigration lawyer.