Key Takeaways
• On May 22, 2025, Harvard’s SEVP certification was revoked, blocking new international student enrollment.
• Harvard’s 6,703 international students risk losing legal status or must transfer to maintain visas.
• HKUST offers unconditional admission and full support to all affected Harvard international students.
International Students at Harvard Face Uncertainty as Hong Kong University Offers Lifeline Amid U.S. Visa Crisis
International students at Harvard University are facing an unprecedented crisis after the U.S. government revoked the school’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, effectively blocking thousands from studying in the United States 🇺🇸 for the 2025-2026 academic year. In a swift and strategic move, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has stepped in, offering unconditional admission and comprehensive support to affected students. This development has sent ripples through the global education community, raising urgent questions about the future of international study in the U.S., the shifting landscape of global higher education, and the immediate options available to students caught in the crossfire.
What Happened: Harvard’s SEVP Certification Revoked
On May 22, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem sent a letter to Harvard University announcing the immediate revocation of its SEVP certification. This certification is essential for any U.S. school that wants to enroll international students on F-1 (academic) or J-1 (exchange visitor) visas. Without it, Harvard cannot legally enroll new international students, and current students risk losing their legal status in the United States 🇺🇸.
Key facts:
– Date of action: May 22, 2025
– Who is affected: All current and incoming international students at Harvard University
– Immediate impact: Harvard cannot enroll new international students on F-1 or J-1 visas for the 2025-2026 academic year
– Current students: Must transfer to another SEVP-certified institution or leave the U.S. to maintain legal status
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this is the first time in history that such a high-profile university has lost its SEVP certification, putting the academic futures of thousands at risk.
Why Did the U.S. Government Take This Step?
Secretary Noem’s letter cited several reasons for the revocation, including Harvard’s alleged refusal to provide requested information to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), claims of an unsafe campus environment, and accusations that the university’s policies promote hostility toward Jewish students and support for pro-Hamas sympathies. The letter also criticized Harvard’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies as “racist.”
While these claims are highly political and controversial, the practical effect is clear: Harvard’s ability to host international students has been suspended, pending further legal and administrative review.
How Many Students Are Affected?
The numbers are staggering:
– Total international students at Harvard (2024): 6,703 (about 25% of the student body)
– Chinese students at Harvard: 1,203
– Incoming international students for 2025-2026: Hundreds, if not thousands, with confirmed offers
These students now face the possibility of having to transfer, defer, or abandon their plans to study at one of the world’s most prestigious universities.
Harvard’s Response: Legal Action and Temporary Relief
Harvard University responded immediately by filing a lawsuit against the federal government, arguing that the revocation is “unlawful and unwarranted.” A federal judge in Boston has since issued a temporary restraining order, preventing the government from enforcing the revocation for now. A hearing is scheduled for next week to determine whether Harvard can retain its SEVP certification and continue enrolling international students.
What this means for students:
– Current students: Can remain enrolled for now, but their long-term status is uncertain
– Incoming students: Still face uncertainty about whether they can begin studies at Harvard in the fall
– Graduating students: May face complications with post-graduation work authorization, such as Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Harvard’s press director, Jason Newton, stated that the university is “working to provide guidance and support to community members,” but many students remain anxious about their immediate futures.
HKUST Steps In: Unconditional Offers for Harvard’s International Students
In a bold and compassionate move, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) announced on May 23, 2025, that it would extend unconditional admission offers to all international students currently enrolled at or admitted to Harvard University. This includes:
– Students currently studying at Harvard on F-1 or J-1 visas
– Students with confirmed offers of admission for the 2025-2026 academic year
What HKUST is offering:
– Unconditional admission: No additional entrance exams or application requirements for affected students
– Streamlined admissions: Fast-tracked processing to minimize disruption
– Academic support: Help with credit transfer, course selection, and integration into HKUST programs
– Comprehensive assistance: Guidance on visas, housing, and adjusting to life in Hong Kong 🇭🇰
HKUST is ranked 66th globally in the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, making it a highly respected alternative for students seeking continuity in their studies.
In its official statement, HKUST emphasized its commitment to supporting talented students:
“As a leading international institution ranked among the top universities globally, HKUST is extending this opportunity to ensure talented students can pursue their educational goals without disruption. We will provide unconditional offers, streamlined admissions, and academic support to ensure a seamless transition for interested students.”
Why Is HKUST Making This Offer?
HKUST’s move is both practical and symbolic. The university recognizes the uncertainty facing international students at Harvard and wants to provide a stable, high-quality alternative. At the same time, the offer positions HKUST as a global leader in international education, potentially attracting top talent who might otherwise have chosen the United States 🇺🇸.
This action also reflects broader trends in global higher education, where Asian universities are increasingly competing with U.S. and European institutions for the world’s best students.
The Political and International Context
The Trump administration’s decision to revoke Harvard’s SEVP certification is widely seen as part of a larger political conflict involving campus speech, diversity policies, and U.S.-China relations. The Chinese government has strongly criticized the move, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stating that “the relevant actions by the U.S. side will only damage its own image and international credibility.”
Chinese state media have questioned whether the United States 🇺🇸 can remain a top destination for foreign students, and the issue has become a trending topic on Chinese social media. Some users have even joked about HKUST opening a branch in Harbin, a city whose name shares a character with Harvard’s name in Chinese.
What Are the Conditions for Reinstatement?
Secretary Noem outlined six specific conditions that Harvard must meet within 72 hours to potentially regain its SEVP certification. While not all details are public, the letter warned that providing false or misleading information could result in criminal prosecution under U.S. law (18 U.S.C. § 1001) and other penalties.
This tight deadline puts enormous pressure on Harvard’s administration and leaves students in limbo as the legal and administrative process unfolds.
Real-Life Impact: Student Voices and Scenarios
For international students, the situation is deeply personal and stressful. Here are some examples of what students are experiencing:
- Current students: Many are scrambling to find alternative schools or considering returning to their home countries. One Harvard freshman in a master’s program said, “All the international students who heard the news are surprised and embarrassed,” noting that many thought the issue had been resolved when an earlier deadline passed.
- Graduating students: Those planning to work in the U.S. after graduation worry about losing their eligibility for work authorization, such as OPT, which allows them to stay and work for up to 12 months after finishing their studies.
- Students with internships: A third-year student expressed concern about leaving for a summer internship abroad: “I have to leave for an internship outside the United States for summer vacation right now, but I’m worried that I’ll be denied entry.”
- Incoming students: Many are reconsidering their plans, unsure whether to accept HKUST’s offer, wait for the legal process to play out, or look for other options.
Historical Context: U.S.-China Educational Tensions
This crisis is not happening in a vacuum. Over the past decade, tensions between the United States 🇺🇸 and China 🇨🇳 have affected student mobility and academic collaboration. During President Trump’s first term, China’s Ministry of Education warned students about rising rejection rates and shorter visa terms in the U.S. In 2024, the Chinese foreign ministry protested that many Chinese students had been interrogated and sent home upon arrival at U.S. airports.
The current situation marks a significant escalation, with the potential to reshape global student flows and the reputation of U.S. higher education.
Legal Process and What Happens Next
Harvard is pursuing several legal avenues to challenge the SEVP revocation:
1. Lawsuit filed: Harvard has sued the federal government, arguing the action is unlawful.
2. Temporary restraining order: A federal judge has blocked the government from enforcing the revocation for now.
3. Upcoming hearing: A court hearing is scheduled for next week to decide whether Harvard can keep its SEVP certification.
If the government’s action is upheld, thousands of international students could be forced to transfer or leave the U.S., and Harvard would be barred from enrolling new international students for at least the next academic year.
The Harvard University union representing graduate students has told members that the school is preparing an injunction to challenge the Trump administration’s action.
Practical Guidance for Affected Students
If you are an international student at Harvard or have an offer of admission for the 2025-2026 academic year, here are some steps you can take right now:
- Stay informed: Follow updates from Harvard’s International Office and official university communications.
- Consult with an immigration attorney: If you have questions about your visa status or options, seek professional legal advice.
- Consider transfer options: If you need to transfer to maintain your legal status, research SEVP-certified schools. You can check the official SEVP-certified schools list provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
- Explore HKUST’s offer: If you are interested in transferring to the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, contact their admissions office for details on the process and support available.
- Prepare documentation: Keep all your immigration documents, transcripts, and correspondence organized in case you need to transfer or apply for a new visa.
What Is SEVP Certification and Why Does It Matter?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is a U.S. government program that certifies schools to enroll international students on F-1 and J-1 visas. Without SEVP certification, a school cannot issue the Form I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 students), which are required for visa applications. You can find the latest versions of these forms and more information on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Global Education
This crisis highlights the vulnerability of international students to political decisions and the importance of having backup plans. It also shows how quickly the global education landscape can shift, with universities like HKUST stepping up to offer alternatives.
For students, families, and educators worldwide, the key takeaway is to stay flexible, informed, and proactive. As the situation develops, affected students should keep in close contact with their schools, seek legal advice when needed, and consider all available options to continue their education.
Conclusion: Immediate Steps and Looking Ahead
The revocation of Harvard University’s SEVP certification has created a wave of uncertainty for thousands of international students. While legal challenges are underway and a temporary restraining order offers some relief, the future remains unclear. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology’s offer of unconditional admission provides a valuable alternative for those seeking stability and continuity in their studies.
Students should monitor official updates, consult with immigration professionals, and explore all available options, including transfer opportunities at SEVP-certified schools and international institutions like HKUST. For more information on SEVP certification and student visa requirements, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Study in the States website.
As the world watches this unprecedented situation unfold, the choices made by students, universities, and governments will shape the future of international education for years to come.
Learn Today
SEVP Certification → U.S. government approval allowing schools to enroll international students on F-1 and J-1 visas.
F-1 Visa → Academic visa permitting international students to study full-time in U.S. schools.
J-1 Visa → Exchange visitor visa for international students participating in approved exchange programs in the U.S.
Temporary Restraining Order → A court order that temporarily prevents enforcement of an action pending legal review.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) → Work authorization allowing F-1 students to gain employment experience after graduation.
This Article in a Nutshell
Harvard lost SEVP certification, creating visa crises for thousands of international students. HKUST offers unconditional admission and aid, providing a vital alternative amid global political tensions and education disruptions.
— By VisaVerge.com
