UNC Charlotte says U.S. government terminated visas for international students

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Student Visas for six international UNC Charlotte students have been terminated, according to a university spokeswoman. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte said the U.S. government terminated the visas. The terminations occurred at various times over the past week the university said.

The university said it was also informed that Student and Exchange Visitor Information System or SEVIS records for all six students were also terminated. SEVIS is a web-based database operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to track information about nonimmigrant students. In a “Immigration Changes Fact Sheet” shared with WCCB by a university representative, the reason listed for the decision to terminate SEVIS records and visas of each student was for either “Otherwise Failing to Maintain Status” or “Other.” All students are also said to be from either India or Nigeria, and studying Computing and Informatics, Engineering, or Nanoscale Science.

The UNC Charlotte website now includes an Immigration Changes FAQ’s page. In it, the school highlights changes to immigration policy that students should be aware of. The university said if a student gets a termination notification, it is recommended they stop work immediately, contact an attorney, and share any messages from federal agencies with the university. UNC Charlotte said it currently has 1,800 international students enrolled. The university added that it is actively monitors SEVIS for changes to students’ status.

The university said of the six students whose visas were terminated, one is an undergraduate, three are enrolled, and three have graduated and are currently on Optional Practical Training (OPT). The university is working to help each of the six students complete their studies if possible, with remote work as a potential option.