Student Visa F1 Revoked

What Happens to Your Student Visa if You're Charged with a Crime in Texas?

If you're in Texas on an F-1 or other student visa, getting charged with a crime can put your entire future at risk. U.S. immigration laws are strict, and even minor criminal accusations can have life-altering consequences for visa holders. In recent years, we've seen a rise in visa cancellations across Texas due to increased scrutiny from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and cooperation with local law enforcement agencies. If you're a student charged with a crime—even a misdemeanor—it's vital to understand your rights and take immediate action.

Student Visas and Criminal Charges: What's at Stake?

International students in the U.S. are typically here under F-1 (academic students), J-1 (exchange visitors), or M-1 (vocational students) visas. These non-immigrant visas come with strict conditions, including maintaining full-time enrollment and abiding by all U.S. laws. A criminal charge—even if it doesn't lead to a conviction—can trigger:

• Visa Revocation by the U.S. Department of State

• Termination of SEVIS Record (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)

• Immigration Holds or ICE Detention

• Deportation Proceedings under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)

• Barriers to Re-Entry in the future

A criminal record can also prevent you from adjusting your status (for example, from student to work visa) or applying for a green card.

Crimes That Can Lead to Visa Cancellation

Under current immigration law, certain criminal charges—especially “crimes involving moral turpitude” (CIMTs) or aggravated felonies—can lead to immediate visa revocation. These include:

• Theft offenses (even shoplifting)

• Assault or family violence

• Drug possession or trafficking

• Fraud, forgery, or identity theft

• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), especially with a child passenger or injury

• Domestic violence or stalking

In Texas, law enforcement routinely shares arrest records with immigration authorities—even before your case goes to court. ICE and the Department of State don't need a conviction to take action. In many cases, being charged is enough to revoke your visa.

Why Visa Revocations Are Increasing in Texas

Texas has seen a surge in visa-related enforcement in recent years, driven by:

• Collaboration between local police and ICE, especially in counties with 287(g) agreements

• Targeted visa cancellations by the State Department, particularly for students from countries under tighter scrutiny

• Proactive ICE detainers placed on individuals arrested for even low-level misdemeanors

In Dallas, Collin, Tarrant, and surrounding counties, international students are at greater risk than ever before.

What You Need to Do If You're Arrested on a Student Visa

If you're arrested while on a student visa, time is of the essence. Here's what you should do:

1. Do Not Talk to Police or ICE Without an Attorney
   Anything you say can be used against you in both criminal and immigration court.

2. Contact an Experienced Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer Immediately
   A skilled attorney can protect your rights, challenge the charges, and negotiate to avoid deportation-triggering consequences.

3. Notify Your School's DSO (Designated School Official)
   But only after consulting with legal counsel. Your school is required to report any change in your legal status to SEVIS.

4. Avoid Pleading Guilty Without Legal Advice
   Some plea deals may seem minor but can have devastating immigration consequences. Your lawyer must understand both Texas criminal law and federal immigration impact.

Why Hiring the Right Criminal Defense Firm Matters

At Texas Defenders, we understand how high the stakes are when you're facing criminal charges on a student visa. We have extensive experience representing non-citizens in Dallas, Collin, and Tarrant counties—and we work strategically to fight charges, reduce them, or resolve them in ways that protect your immigration status.

We know how to:

• Negotiate non-deportable outcomes

• Secure dismissals or reductions

• Avoid immigration red flags in plea deals

• Coordinate with immigration lawyers if necessary

Our firm uses advanced notification systems so you never miss a court date and always know what's happening in your case. If a court appearance is required, we'll notify you well in advance with text and email alerts.

Conclusion

Criminal charges can derail your entire future if you're an international student in Texas. Don't take chances. Contact a criminal defense firm that knows the intersection of criminal and immigration law and will fight to protect your status and your future.

Call Texas Defenders today at 214-306-9696 for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your life in the U.S.