10 points. How many F-1 students actually go back home?

Question

Any statistics and thoughts about the subjects.

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Personally, I think many F-1 students are over stay and never return home.

Answer 1

The number I read is 47% of F1 visa holders overstay. Here are the penaties for doing so.

If a person has a visitor’s visa and then overstays by 180 days and then leaves voluntarily, there is a three-year ban on coming back to the US. If one overstays a whole year and then leaves voluntarily, there is a ten-year ban. Also, there is the possibility of being apprehended and being placed in removal proceedings or actually being removed from the United States involuntarily. Therefore, the penalties that apply do depend on the circumstances.

The whole F1 program is being studied in committee by congress. Enforcement has increased and those trying to defeat the system by marriage are being placed under more scrutiny than ever before.

Answer 2

In the past the number has been high, although I have not seen an exact figure.  However, since 9-11 they have been closely tracked and schools are being forced to report them immediately if they stop going to school.

Answer 3

I know one who has been overstaying for the past 3 years. It seems immigration does not care.