Just weeks before graduation, an Indian F1 student plans collapsed after an accident near a subway. He fractured his elbow and returned to India for surgery, unaware that this decision would cost him his visa on re-entry to the United States.
Accident Leads to Unexpected Turn
The student shared on Reddit that his professors approved the medical leave, advising him to return before midterms on October 28. With a valid travel signature and all permissions, he reached Abu Dhabi for US pre-clearance — where things went wrong.
Officer Finds eBay Transactions
During inspection, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer asked for travel approval documents. The student showed digital copies and an email from his university. While checking his phone, the officer found photos and emails showing he had sold used clothes on eBay worth around $350.
Visa Cancelled for ‘Unauthorized Work’
The officer declared the sales as unauthorized employment, explaining that F-1 visa holders cannot earn money from any unapproved source. Without warning or further questioning, his F-1 visa was cancelled on the spot.
SEVIS Still Active but No Visa
Though his SEVIS record remains active, meaning he is still enrolled at the university, he no longer holds a valid visa to return to the US. Reapplying may take months, as Indian students currently face heavy processing delays and higher rejection rates.
Lesson for International Students
The incident serves as a warning for students on temporary visas. Even small online sales can be flagged as unauthorized work. Maintaining strict compliance with visa rules is essential to avoid losing years of education and opportunity.
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