Visa Revoked or “Cancelled Without Prejudice”? Find Out If You’re Secretly Barred From the U.S. Before Reapplying

Had your U.S. visa revoked or “cancelled without prejudice” and panicking about bans or a ruined record? Understand exactly what it means, what it doesn’t, and how to protect future applications.

You’re here because a consular officer drew a line through your visa, wrote a scary note, or you heard the word “revocation” at the airport—and nobody explained what comes next. Let’s clear this up in plain English: when is it just an administrative step, when is it a red flag, and what you can do now to avoid surprise denials in the future.

Visa revoked vs. cancelled without prejudice: what’s really happening?

A U.S. visa printed in your passport is permission to travel and ask for entry, not a guarantee. Consulates and the Department of State can:

• Revoke a visa: formally withdraw it, usually because of new information, ineligibility, security concerns, status violations, or errors.
• Cancel without prejudice (CWP): void a visa for administrative or technical reasons, without a negative finding against you.

Key point: the legal effect and how CBP/consular officers read your history depends entirely on the code and context. A simple CWP can be neutral. A revocation based on ineligibility can trigger serious future scrutiny.

When cancellation without prejudice is harmless — and when it’s a warning sign

Common neutral CWP scenarios:

• Old visa cancelled when a new visa in the same category is issued.
• Printing or data error (wrong employer, passport number, name, annotation) corrected via new visa.
• Change of category (e.g., B1/B2 cancelled without prejudice when F-1 or H-1B issued).

Potential red flag CWP situations:

• Cancellation after extra questioning about purpose of travel, funding, or prior work/study history.
• Note linked to “214(b)” denial, status overstay, or suspected misrepresentation—even if “without prejudice” appears.
• CWP following security checks or information from DHS; it might signal closer review next time.

Understanding true visa revocation: legal and practical impact

A revocation (often under 22 CFR 41.122) can occur:

• After status violations in the U.S. (e.g., termination of study, unauthorized work, criminal conduct).
• Based on new derogatory information: security concerns, misrepresentation, ineligibility under INA 212.
• Automatically in some cases (e.g., drunk-driving related arrests triggering prudential revocation in certain categories).

Consequences may include:

• Your current visa is no longer valid for travel.
• Future applications flagged for “prudential revocation” or underlying ineligibility.
• Possible need for waivers if revocation is based on a ground of inadmissibility (fraud, unlawful presence, criminal grounds, etc.).

Optional deep dive: how to read annotations, emails and notices

• Passport stamp / annotation: Look for “CANCELLED WITHOUT PREJUDICE” vs. “REVOKED” or specific references (e.g., “per 22 CFR 41.122(h)”).
• Consular email / letter: Check if it cites INA 214(b), 212(a), security checks, or “prudential” reasons.
• Timing: Revocation after an arrest, SEVIS termination, or CBP report often signals deeper concerns.
• US travel history: Gather I-94s, approval notices, and any CBP/USCIS correspondence; inconsistencies explain many actions.

Examples / Model Scenarios

• Example 1 — Administrative CWP: Your B1/B2 is stamped “Cancelled Without Prejudice” when your new 10-year B1/B2 is approved. No negative effect.
• Example 2 — Status change: F-1 visa cancelled without prejudice when H-1B issued. Signals transition, not punishment.
• Example 3 — Prudential revocation: After a DUI arrest, your visa is revoked by email while you’re abroad. You must reapply and expect medical and risk review.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming “cancelled without prejudice” always means “nothing to worry about” without reading context.
• Trying to travel on a visa that has been clearly cancelled or revoked.
• Failing to disclose a past revocation or CWP in a DS-160 or interview — this alone can become misrepresentation.
• Ignoring emails from the consulate about prudential revocation or requested documents.
• Relying solely on call-center or social media explanations instead of reviewing the legal basis.

Conclusion: A stamp, line, or email about your visa does not automatically end your chances with the United States — but misunderstanding it can. Read exactly what was done, keep copies, be honest on all future forms, and treat any revocation tied to violations or fraud as a situation that deserves professional review. If your travel, studies, job, or family plans depend on that visa history, this is the moment to clarify, regularize, and enter the next application prepared instead of surprised.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace individualized advice from a qualified U.S. immigration attorney who can review your record, consular notes, and risks before you act.

FAQ — Common questions about visa revocation and CWP

1. What is the difference between revocation and “cancelled without prejudice”?

Revocation is a formal withdrawal of visa validity, often tied to concerns or violations. CWP usually indicates an administrative or technical action without a negative legal finding.

2. Does “cancelled without prejudice” hurt my chances next time?

In routine cases (new visa issued, correction, category change), impact is minimal. If linked to doubts about your story or status, it can trigger closer review later.

3. Can I travel on a visa that shows a cancellation or revocation stamp?

No. Once marked cancelled or revoked, that visa is no longer valid for entry, even if the expiration date hasn’t passed.

4. Why was my visa revoked while I was outside the U.S.?

Consulates can revoke based on new information from schools, employers, CBP, law enforcement, or security databases, even if you are abroad.

5. Do I have a lifetime ban if my visa was revoked?

Not automatically. A ban depends on the underlying ground (e.g., fraud, unlawful presence). Some revocations are “prudential” only and do not create inadmissibility.

6. Must I say “Yes” to the DS-160 question about prior visa revocation or cancellation?

Yes. Failure to disclose is treated as misrepresentation and is far worse than the original issue.

7. What should I do immediately after learning of a revocation or CWP?

Save all emails and passport pages, identify the cited grounds, stop travel on that visa, and seek legal review before reapplying.

Legal and policy framework

• INA provisions on nonimmigrant visas: Outline eligibility and grounds of inadmissibility (e.g., INA § 212(a), § 214).
• 22 C.F.R. § 41.122: Governs visa revocation authority, including prudential revocations based on new information.
• 9 FAM (Foreign Affairs Manual): Provides guidance to consular officers on when to revoke, cancel without prejudice, or annotate visas.
• Fraud/Misrepresentation — INA § 212(a)(6)(C)(i): Prior misstatements in applications/interviews can lead to revocation and permanent inadmissibility without a waiver.
• Unlawful presence / status violations: Overstays or unauthorized work can trigger revocations and future bars depending on days accrued and conduct.

Final considerations

A crossed-out visa foil or revocation email is not the end of your ability to enter the United States, but it is a signal that officers will look more closely at your record. The real question is why the action was taken. Understanding the legal basis, keeping documentation, answering all future forms truthfully, and addressing concerns head-on can turn a confusing event into a manageable part of your immigration history instead of a recurring obstacle.

This information is general and educational. It does not constitute legal advice, create an attorney–client relationship, or replace a personalized review of your case by a qualified U.S. immigration lawyer who can analyze your documents, history, and potential risks.