In this post, we will discuss DHS revoking Harvard’s SEVIS access. Learn what this means for students at WVU, Marshall, and Virginia Tech—and how to stay compliant with F-1 visa rules.

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F-1 Visa Risks After SEVIS Shutdown at Harvard

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently revoked Harvard University’s SEVIS certification—a move that has stunned the academic and immigration law communities alike. SEVIS, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, is essential for issuing I-20 forms and maintaining lawful F-1 student status. Without it, universities cannot enroll or support international students.

While the specifics of the Harvard case have not been fully disclosed, this action sets a troubling precedent for other schools—and for the thousands of students depending on them.

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Why This Matters for Local Students

Universities in our region—including West Virginia University (WVU), Marshall University, and Virginia Tech—welcome international students who contribute deeply to campus life and regional economies.

In 2023, international students injected over $33.1 billion into the U.S. economy, including tuition, housing, food, and more.[¹] Schools in Charleston, Morgantown, Wheeling, Snowshoe, Ashland (KY), and Pikeville (KY) have seen these benefits directly.

If DHS is willing to take this level of action against a university like Harvard, then smaller or less-resourced institutions must be even more vigilant.

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F-1 Students: Visa Rules Are Not Optional

F-1 visa holders are expected to:

• Remain enrolled full-time in an approved institution
• Avoid unauthorized work, especially off-campus
• Keep SEVIS records updated with address and status changes
• Leave the U.S. or file for proper extensions at the end of their authorized stay

Any deviation—like dropping classes or working without authorization—can lead to SEVIS termination and potential removal proceedings.[²]

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The Harvard Wake-Up Call: What It Means For You

International students at WVU, Marshall, or Virginia Tech should now take extra care to protect their immigration status. The revocation of SEVIS certification impacts every student on campus. If an institution loses its standing, your visa may become invalid overnight, through no fault of your own. More significantly, a school whose SEVIS certification is revoked may not reapply for reinstatement with DHS for one year.

Moreover, DHS’s actions signal a new trend: closer scrutiny and faster enforcement. We are already hearing from callers in West Virginia and Eastern Kentucky whose F-1 status is in jeopardy—many because they didn’t know their rights or failed to seek legal advice.

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We Help International Students Stay Compliant with their Visas

At KVisaXpress, we regularly help students:

• File for reinstatement after SEVIS termination
• Counsel international students with OPT and CPT
• Change from F-1 to another status (including green cards through marriage or work)
• Avoid visa pitfalls that can lead to deportation proceedings

We’re proud to serve international students at WVU, Marshall, Virginia Tech, and nearby schools across West Virginia and Kentucky with sound legal immigration advice and counsel.

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Call to Action

If you’re an international student who needs an immigration lawyer in Charleston, Morgantown, Lewisburg, Wheeling, Ashland, or Pikeville—don’t wait until it’s too late.

✅ If you’re unsure about your SEVIS standing
✅ If your school is under DHS review
✅ If you’ve fallen out of status or missed a reporting deadline or want to change your status

Contact KVisaXpress immediately to review your options and protect your future.

📞 [(800)650-9097
📧 Email Us
🌐 KVisaXpress.com

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Footnotes

[¹] NAFSA: Association of International Educators, “Economic Value Statistics,” 2023 – https://www.nafsa.org/policy-and-advocacy/policy-resources/economic-value-international-students
[²] U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), SEVIS Compliance – https://www.ice.gov/sevis/students