Key Takeaways
• On May 22, 2025, DHS revoked Harvard’s SEVP certification, halting new F-1 and J-1 visas for 2025-26.
• Visa denials, revocations, and processing delays affect thousands of Harvard students, scholars, faculty, and families.
• A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order on May 23 stopping revocation enforcement until May 29 hearing.
The U.S. government has launched a sweeping review of all visas held by people connected to Harvard University, including students, scholars, faculty, and staff. This action, led by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the State Department, comes after the government revoked Harvard’s ability to sponsor international students and scholars under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The move has left thousands of international students and researchers in a state of uncertainty, with many facing visa denials, delays, or even revocations. The situation is unfolding quickly, with a federal court temporarily blocking the government’s actions while legal challenges play out.
What Happened and Why
On May 22, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security revoked Harvard University’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. This program allows U.S. schools to sponsor international students (F-1 visas) and exchange visitors (J-1 visas). Without SEVP certification, Harvard cannot enroll new international students or host visiting scholars for the 2025-26 academic year. The government’s decision followed weeks of demands for records about Harvard’s international students, especially after campus protests and concerns about antisemitism.
The very next day, a federal judge in Boston issued a temporary restraining order (TRO), stopping the government from enforcing the revocation until a court hearing could be held. That hearing is scheduled for May 29, 2025. In the meantime, the State Department has started a full review of all visas linked to Harvard, pausing new student and exchange visa appointments and increasing social media checks for applicants.
Who Is Affected
This situation affects a wide range of people connected to Harvard University:
- Current international students: About 27% of Harvard’s students are from outside the United States 🇺🇸. Many now worry about their legal status, ability to finish their degrees, and whether they can stay in the country.
- Incoming students and scholars: Those who planned to start at Harvard in the fall are seeing their visa applications denied or delayed. At least ten cases of visa revocation or refusal were reported immediately after the SEVP certification was pulled.
- Faculty and staff: International faculty and researchers also face increased scrutiny and possible visa problems.
- Families and dependents: Spouses and children who rely on these visas are also at risk.
How the Visa Review Works
The State Department is reviewing all visas for people connected to Harvard University. This means:
- Visa applications are being denied or put into “administrative processing”. This is a type of delay where the government takes extra time to check an applicant’s background.
- Some people have had their visas revoked or refused at U.S. embassies. In these cases, passports are returned with a refusal slip, often citing the SEVP termination.
- All Harvard-affiliated visa holders face extra checks at U.S. entry points. This is called “secondary processing,” where officials ask more questions and review documents in detail.
- New student and exchange visa appointments are paused while the State Department prepares to expand social media vetting for applicants.
Why Did This Happen?
The government has not given a detailed public explanation for the full visa review. However, officials, including Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have pointed to national security concerns, antisemitism, and the need to ensure universities follow visa rules. The administration has also introduced new reporting requirements for universities, including mandatory reporting of antisemitic actions, serious conduct violations, and terrorist activity.
Harvard’s leadership, including President Alan M. Garber, has strongly condemned the government’s actions. They argue that the moves are unlawful, retaliatory, and threaten academic freedom. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, legal experts and advocacy groups see this as an unprecedented attack on the ability of U.S. universities to host international students and scholars.
Timeline of Events
To understand how the situation developed, here is a summary of key dates:
- April 16, 2025: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem sent Harvard a letter demanding detailed records on all student visa holders, with a deadline of April 30.
- April 30, 2025: Harvard submitted the requested information.
- May 14, 2025: Harvard provided more documents after a follow-up request.
- May 22, 2025: DHS said Harvard’s responses were “insufficient” and revoked SEVP certification immediately.
- May 23, 2025: A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order, blocking the revocation for now. Visa denials and revocations began for at least ten students and scholars.
- May 29, 2025: A court hearing is set to decide whether the TRO will remain in place.
What Is SEVP and Why Does It Matter?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is run by the Department of Homeland Security. It certifies schools to enroll international students and scholars. Without SEVP certification, a university cannot sponsor F-1 or J-1 visas. This means:
- No new international students or scholars can come to Harvard for the 2025-26 academic year if the revocation stands.
- Current students may need to transfer to other U.S. schools or leave the country.
- Thousands of people could lose their legal status and face disruptions to their studies, research, and family life.
You can find more about SEVP and its requirements on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement SEVP page.
What Should Affected Individuals Do?
If you are a Harvard-affiliated international student, scholar, or dependent, here are steps to take:
- Stay in close contact with the Harvard International Office (HIO). They provide updates, legal help, and instructions for affected individuals.
- If your visa is denied or you are refused entry, seek help immediately from HIO and legal advisors.
- Check your SEVIS record daily. Harvard is monitoring these records and will notify you if there are changes.
- Students should talk to their dean or registrar about academic status. Scholars should contact their postdoc office or human resources.
- For new visa applicants: Be ready for possible delays or denials. Submit any extra documents requested by U.S. officials as soon as possible.
The Harvard International Office website has the latest updates and resources.
Broader Implications for Higher Education
This situation is not just about Harvard University. It has wider effects on the entire U.S. higher education system:
- Other universities are watching closely. Many worry that the government could take similar actions against them, especially if they have large numbers of international students.
- International students may think twice about applying to U.S. schools. The uncertainty and risk of visa problems could push talented students to choose other countries.
- Academic research and collaboration could suffer. International scholars play a key role in research, teaching, and innovation.
- Federal contracts are at risk. The administration has ordered agencies to cancel all remaining federal contracts with Harvard, worth about $100 million.
Multiple Perspectives
Harvard’s View
Harvard’s leaders say they have followed all legal requirements and see the government’s demands as overreach and retaliation. They argue that the actions threaten academic freedom and the futures of thousands of students and scholars.
Federal Government’s View
Officials say the actions are needed to address security concerns, antisemitism, and to make sure universities follow visa rules. They have demanded audits of viewpoints and records of “illegal and violent activities” by foreign students.
International Students and Scholars
Many are in limbo, unsure if they can stay in the United States 🇺🇸, finish their degrees, or even attend graduation. Some have already had visas denied or revoked, while others worry about what will happen next.
The Higher Education Community
Universities across the country are concerned about the precedent this sets. They fear it could hurt international student recruitment and academic collaboration nationwide.
New Reporting Requirements
On May 15, 2025, the government introduced new rules for universities that sponsor J-1 exchange visitors. These rules require schools to report:
- Any antisemitic actions
- Serious conduct violations
- Terrorist activity
These changes mean universities must keep closer watch on their international students and scholars and report certain behaviors to the government.
Legal and Policy Background
For over 70 years, Harvard’s SEVP certification had never been threatened. The current conflict began in April 2025, when DHS demanded detailed records about Harvard’s international students, especially in response to campus protests and concerns about antisemitism. The administration’s broader immigration policy includes:
- Expanded social media checks for visa applicants
- Aggressive visa revocations, especially for Chinese students
- New reporting rules for universities
What Happens Next?
The immediate future depends on the outcome of the May 29, 2025, court hearing. If the judge keeps the TRO in place, Harvard may keep its SEVP certification for now. If the TRO is lifted and the revocation stands:
- Harvard will lose its international student and scholar population for at least the 2025-26 academic year.
- Current international students may have to transfer or leave the country.
- The effects will ripple across the U.S. higher education sector.
Harvard and other universities are likely to keep fighting in court and through advocacy groups to restore their ability to enroll international students. The administration is expected to continue expanding vetting and reporting requirements for all U.S. universities hosting international students.
Practical Guidance for Stakeholders
If you are affected by these changes, here’s what you can do:
- Monitor official updates from the Harvard International Office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
- Keep all your documents up to date and respond quickly to any requests from U.S. officials.
- If you face visa problems, seek legal help right away.
- Stay in touch with your academic department or HR office for guidance on your status and next steps.
For more information on visa status and embassy contacts, visit the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Conclusion
The government’s investigation and review of all Harvard-affiliated visa holders is an unprecedented move with immediate and far-reaching consequences. Thousands of international students, scholars, and their families now face uncertainty about their future in the United States 🇺🇸. The outcome of the ongoing legal battle will shape not only Harvard’s future but also the broader landscape of international education in the country. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this situation highlights the growing tension between federal immigration policy and the needs of U.S. universities to attract and support global talent. Stakeholders should stay informed, seek support, and be ready to adapt as the situation develops.
Learn Today
SEVP → Student and Exchange Visitor Program certifies schools to sponsor international student and exchange visitor visas.
F-1 Visa → Nonimmigrant visa allowing international students to study full-time at U.S. academic institutions.
J-1 Visa → Exchange visitor visa for scholars, researchers, and students participating in approved exchange programs.
Administrative Processing → Additional visa review period when authorities conduct extra background checks before issuance decisions.
Temporary Restraining Order → Court order temporarily halting government actions to maintain status quo before legal ruling.
This Article in a Nutshell
The U.S. government revoked Harvard’s ability to sponsor international visas, triggering visa delays, denials, and legal battles. Over 27% of Harvard’s students face uncertain futures. Federal scrutiny intensifies amid concerns over security and antisemitism, as a key court decision approaches. This affects international education nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
