Key Takeaways
• UPenn updated SEVIS termination FAQs on April 21, 2025 after eight visa revocations tied to immigration rule breaches.
• A terminated SEVIS record means students lose legal status and may immediately start accruing unlawful presence in the U.S.
• Over 1,700 student visa revocations have occurred nationwide, creating confusion, legal disputes, and increased support needs for international students.
The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) has recently made important changes to its guidance for international students. These updates respond to a sharp rise in SEVIS terminations and visa revocations that are affecting university students all across the United States 🇺🇸. This article will explain what’s happening, why it matters, and what it means for students from other countries studying at UPenn and similar schools.
Key Events Leading to UPenn’s Updates
In late April 2025, UPenn confirmed that eight people linked to the university—one undergraduate student, five graduate students, and one alumnus—had their visas revoked by the U.S. Department of State. Out of these, seven also had their records terminated in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS is the official database the U.S. federal government uses to track international students and scholars.
This wave of SEVIS terminations and visa revocations at UPenn is not an isolated event. It is happening as part of a nationwide increase in student visa issues. The government has been taking a stronger approach when it comes to immigration law and student visas, leading to more revocations and terminations across the country. As reported by VisaVerge.com, there is growing concern and confusion among international students and universities about what steps to take next.
Clarifying the Causes
Following the news of these actions, some thought the visa problems were linked to recent campus protests. However, UPenn quickly stated that most of the terminations and revocations were not about political activity. Instead, they were about alleged breaches of immigration rules. Importantly, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have not been present on campus in relation to these terminations.
UPenn Expands Its Student Support
On April 21, 2025, UPenn made several changes to its “SEVIS Termination FAQ” page in response to these events. This page was first published by the University’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office on April 6. The updates now help students better understand:
- Issues about public safety, including what to do if federal officials approach you
- Housing: who can stay in university housing after a SEVIS termination
- Academic access: whether affected students can continue attending classes or use university resources
- Financial aid questions, such as scholarship eligibility and emergency support
The FAQ aims to answer practical questions for students who are suddenly left out of status, unsure where to live, or whether they will need to leave the country.
Major Changes and Guidance for Students
What Happens After a SEVIS Termination?
One of the biggest clarifications in UPenn’s new guidance is this:
“A terminated SEVIS record means you are out of status and can’t legally study, work, or remain in the U.S. Depending on the circumstances, you may begin to accumulate unlawful presence from the date of termination.”
This has several important direct impacts:
- You are no longer legally allowed to study, work on campus, or remain in the country.
- Most university services, including libraries, wellness centers, and other facilities, are now only open to students who have valid immigration status.
- If your SEVIS record is terminated, you may lose your scholarships, but you might qualify for help in emergencies.
- If you are not attending classes because of your status, it is important to talk to Student Billing to see if you can get adjustments on your tuition or fees.
ISSS, the university office handling immigration matters, is monitoring all student records closely. They check SEVIS records twice a day to find out if any student’s status changes or is deactivated. If your status is changed, ISSS will contact you quickly and give guidance on:
- Whether you have to leave the country immediately
- If you’re eligible, what you need to do to get a new I-20 or DS-2019 form (the official documents international students need to stay in the U.S.)
- What the end of your status could mean for future visa applications
Legal Questions and National Trends
There is confusion and some disagreement over what exactly happens after SEVIS terminations or visa revocations. This uncertainty has led to legal challenges.
What the University and the Government Say
The university and most federal agencies state that as soon as your SEVIS record is terminated, you are out of status. You lose the right to study or work, and you must leave the United States 🇺🇸. Sometimes, students are supposed to leave right away, while in other cases, there may be a short “grace period.”
What Immigration Attorneys Say
Some immigration lawyers argue that the loss of status does not always happen instantly when SEVIS is terminated. They point out that, in legal documents, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sometimes claims termination does not always end your status right away. However, letters and notices sent to students are usually much clearer, instructing them to leave the United States without delay.
For schools like UPenn, these mixed messages create risks. If a university allows a student without valid SEVIS status to keep attending, they could face penalties or liability from the government.
Ongoing Court Action
Because of this uncertainty, some students have taken their cases to court. Federal judges have sometimes paused removals—called “temporary restraining orders”—while these issues are worked out. For students, this means the situation is still changing and may depend on new court decisions or future government guidance.
What Students Should Know About Safety and Law Enforcement
UPenn’s Division of Public Safety made it clear that their staff do not carry out or help with immigration enforcement. Local campus security does not take part in removing students or enforcing immigration laws. However, they warn that federal law enforcement, like ICE or other agencies, can enter public spaces without a special permit if needed.
If students are approached by immigration officers or other federal officials, they are told to:
- Contact the university’s Division of Public Safety right away
- Use their right to remain silent if they feel uncomfortable and politely decline to answer questions
What Happens When a Student Withdraws or Leaves the School?
UPenn’s revised rules explain that students who talk to ISSS (the international student office) before they withdraw or leave temporarily may have up to 15 days to depart the United States once their SEVIS record is terminated. On the other hand, students who do not inform ISSS, or who are suspended or dismissed, must leave immediately.
This strict deadline is key for avoiding the possible buildup of “unlawful presence.” Unlawful presence means every day you are in the country without status, you are breaking immigration rules, which can lead to long-term bans on returning to the United States.
Concerns from the Campus Community
Not everyone at UPenn is happy with how these updates were communicated. Some university faculty and staff have criticized what they see as a lack of clear information from the administration. They argue that international students need more transparency about what support is available and what the school will do if a student loses their status. The process of SEVIS terminations and visa revocations, and the risks students face, can feel mysterious or sudden.
Meanwhile, media reports show that the number of students affected goes far beyond UPenn. In total, more than 1,700 student visas have reportedly been revoked across American universities under the current federal policy.
The Bigger Picture: US Immigration Policy Trends
This situation at UPenn is playing out across many campuses in the United States 🇺🇸. The increase in SEVIS terminations and visa revocations is tied to broader government decisions to enforce student visa rules more strictly.
Increased scrutiny makes student life more uncertain for international scholars, who must now pay even closer attention to every detail of their immigration status. While universities are updating their support resources, the basic law remains: if your SEVIS record is terminated, you are at risk of having your stay ended early, probably will not be able to work, and may lose access to all of your university’s resources.
What to Do if You Are Impacted
If you are a student at UPenn or any other U.S. university and you are told your SEVIS record has been terminated or your visa revoked:
- Don’t panic, but act fast.
- Check your email and official university communication for instructions from ISSS or your school’s international student office.
- Reach out for help right away. Your university’s ISSS office, student legal services, or even a qualified immigration attorney can help you understand your options.
- If you think you may qualify to stay (for example, if there was a mistake or special reason), ask your ISSS office about how to file an appeal or apply for a new visa or status.
For more information on SEVIS and how the federal government handles student and exchange visitor records, students can visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement SEVIS page.
What Does the Future Hold?
UPenn, by updating its guidance, acknowledges that immigration rules are changing quickly and can create sudden stress for international students. The university’s expanded resources give more direction for what to do if you are caught up in this wave of SEVIS terminations or visa revocations. However, the process is still marked by legal disputes, government debates, and, sometimes, last-minute changes in enforcement.
With more legal cases moving through the courts, there is a chance that some of the rules about SEVIS terminations and student visa revocations could change in the months ahead. For now, international students must stay informed, check their online status often, and stay in regular touch with ISSS or a legal advisor.
Summary of Key Points
- UPenn updated its guidelines and resources in April 2025 after a rise in SEVIS terminations and visa revocations, both at the university and nationwide.
- When a student’s SEVIS record is terminated, they are out of status. They cannot legally continue to study, work, or stay in the United States 🇺🇸.
- Students lose access to most university services if out of status, but may qualify for emergency support or fee adjustments.
- Confusion remains over exactly how quickly status is lost and how much time students have to leave the country, with ongoing legal action adding to uncertainty.
- Campus groups want more transparency from UPenn and stronger support systems for those suddenly losing their status.
- The number of student visa revocations is rising nationwide, reflecting a bigger push for strict enforcement of immigration rules.
- Students who think they may be impacted should contact their university’s ISSS office right away and check official sources like the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement SEVIS page for updates.
- Staying informed and acting quickly are key, as rules can change, and every student’s situation is slightly different.
UPenn’s rapid response and updated online tools offer a model for other universities dealing with the new reality of increased SEVIS terminations and visa revocations. Yet, as the national spotlight turns to the rights and risks facing international students, the story at UPenn is a warning for students everywhere: understanding your status, using university support, and seeking legal advice as soon as possible is more important than ever.
Learn Today
SEVIS → Student and Exchange Visitor Information System; a U.S. government database tracking international students’ statuses at American institutions.
Visa Revocation → The process where the U.S. Department of State cancels a visa, making the holder ineligible to enter or stay in the U.S.
Out of Status → A term for students who have lost legal immigration status, making it illegal to study or remain in the country.
ISSS → International Student and Scholar Services; university office that assists international students with visa and immigration matters.
Unlawful Presence → Period during which a foreign national stays in the U.S. without valid status, risking penalties or long-term bans.
This Article in a Nutshell
UPenn has updated its international student guidance after an increase in SEVIS terminations and visa revocations. Students who lose SEVIS status cannot study, work, or remain legally in the U.S. The number of affected students is growing nationally, highlighting the urgent need for clear guidance and institutional support.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• Lawsuits mount over SEVIS terminations affecting 178 student visa holders
• How to Confirm if Your SEVIS Record is Terminated
• When SEVIS termination could occur for students in the US
• How to Stay in the USA Legally After SEVIS Termination
• Can Your University Assist with SEVIS Termination Issues
