US Halts New F and J Visa Appointments Amid Student Status Crackdowns

Key Takeaways

• Since June 6, 2025, U.S. paused new F and J visa appointments at embassies with unknown resumption date.
• Secretary Marco Rubio targets visa revocations, mainly affecting Chinese students linked to protests or sensitive fields.
• April 2025 SEVIS removals affected 252 Texas students; 27 at UNT, disrupting enrollment and academic programs.

International Student Visa Policy Shifts in North Texas: An Analytical Review

Purpose and Scope

This analysis examines the recent changes in United States 🇺🇸 immigration policy affecting international students in North Texas, with a focus on the University of North Texas (UNT) and other regional institutions. The review covers the temporary pause on new F and J Visa Appointments, the targeted visa revocations for Chinese students, and the broader impact of SEVIS removals. The goal is to provide a clear, evidence-based overview of these developments, their practical effects, and the outlook for students, universities, and the local community.

Methodology

This report draws on official university statements, federal policy announcements, legal expert commentary, and recent data on visa actions and student enrollment. Quantitative figures are presented alongside qualitative insights from stakeholders, including university leaders, legal professionals, and student advocates. The analysis is structured to highlight key findings, present relevant data, compare recent trends, and discuss the implications for all affected parties.

Key Findings

• As of June 6, 2025, the U.S. Department of State has paused new F and J Visa Appointments at embassies and consulates. Existing appointments remain valid, but the duration of the pause is unknown.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced aggressive visa revocation policies, especially targeting Chinese students and those involved in campus protests.
• In April 2025, at least 252 international students at Texas universities lost their legal status due to SEVIS removals, with 27 cases at UNT. Some records were later reinstated, but the process remains unpredictable.
• The policy changes have caused significant fear and uncertainty among international students, leading to a decline in graduate enrollment and concerns about the financial and academic health of North Texas universities.

Data Presentation and Visual Descriptions

To help readers understand the scope and impact of these changes, the following sections present the most recent data and describe the situation in clear, visual terms.

1. F and J Visa Appointments: Temporary Pause

• What Happened: On June 6, 2025, the U.S. Department of State ordered a pause on new F (student) and J (exchange visitor) visa appointments. This means that students who have not yet scheduled an interview cannot do so until the pause is lifted. Those with existing appointments are not affected.
• Visual Description: Imagine a busy embassy waiting room. Before the pause, students lined up daily to submit documents and attend interviews. Now, the line has stopped growing—no new students can join, but those already in line can still move forward.
• Practical Impact: Newly admitted students are still encouraged to submit their I-20 (for F visas) or DS-2019 (for J visas) forms, which are required to apply for a visa. UNT’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) continues to issue these documents, but students cannot schedule new appointments until the pause ends.

2. Visa Revocation for Chinese Students

• Policy Announcement: On May 28, 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the U.S. would aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, especially those with ties to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in sensitive fields.
• Visual Description: Picture a group of Chinese students at UNT, some in science labs, others in business classes. Suddenly, some receive emails or calls stating their visas are revoked, often with little explanation. The criteria are broad, and the process is not transparent.
• Scope: Details are still emerging, but UNT and other universities are closely monitoring the situation. The policy has created anxiety among Chinese students, who now face extra scrutiny and uncertainty about their future in the United States 🇺🇸.

3. SEVIS Removals and Reinstatements

• SEVIS Explained: SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is the federal database that tracks international students’ legal status. Removal from SEVIS means immediate loss of legal status, the right to study, work, or remain in the country.
• Recent Data:
  • In April 2025, at least 252 international students at Texas universities had their SEVIS records removed.
  • At UNT, 27 students—19 of them graduate students—were affected.
  • By late April, 28 UNT students had their SEVIS records reinstated, showing some reversals but ongoing instability.
• Visual Description: Think of SEVIS as a digital ID card. When a student is removed, it’s as if their ID is suddenly erased—they lose access to classes, jobs, and even housing.

4. Quantitative Overview

Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns

• Policy Escalation: The recent pause on F and J Visa Appointments and the targeted revocation of visas for Chinese students represent a sharp escalation in federal enforcement. Previous years saw steady growth in international enrollment, but 2025 has brought sudden reversals.
• Targeted Groups: Chinese students are especially affected, both by direct visa revocations and by broader scrutiny of their academic fields and political ties.
• Academic Impact: Most affected students at UNT are graduate students, who play a key role in research and teaching. Their sudden loss disrupts academic programs and research projects.
• Institutional Response: UNT and other universities have issued statements supporting affected students, offering legal guidance, and urging federal authorities to provide clear, fair processes.

Evidence-Based Conclusions

• Immediate Disruption: SEVIS removals and visa revocations immediately halt a student’s ability to study, work, or remain in the United States 🇺🇸. The process often lacks due process, with students receiving little or no explanation or chance to respond.
• Chilling Effect: The threat of surveillance, sudden status changes, and political targeting has created a climate of fear. Many students have deleted social media accounts and avoid public expression, especially regarding political issues.
• Financial and Academic Risks: North Texas universities, especially UNT, rely heavily on international students for tuition, research, and campus diversity. A significant loss of these students would hurt university finances, reduce research output, and weaken the local economy.
• Graduate Enrollment Decline: UNT officials report a decline in international graduate enrollment, linked to uncertainty over federal immigration policy and the recent enforcement actions.

Limitations of the Analysis

• Data Gaps: The exact number of students affected by visa revocations and SEVIS removals may change as new information emerges. Some cases are still under review, and universities are working to reinstate records where possible.
• Policy Uncertainty: The duration of the pause on F and J Visa Appointments is unknown, and federal agencies may announce further changes without warning.
• Lack of Transparency: Many students and universities report that federal authorities do not provide clear reasons for visa actions, making it difficult to predict or respond to future developments.

Stakeholder Perspectives

• University Leaders: UNT and other North Texas universities stress the value of international students and call for fair, transparent immigration processes. They highlight the academic, cultural, and economic contributions of these students.
• Legal Experts: Immigration attorneys, such as Robert Hoffman, criticize the lack of due process in SEVIS removals and visa revocations. They warn that students often have no chance to defend themselves or correct errors.
• Student Advocates: Some argue that the administration’s actions are politically motivated, targeting dissent and free speech, especially in response to campus protests.
• Federal Officials: Secretary of State Marco Rubio and others justify the policies as necessary for campus safety and national security, particularly in light of recent protests and concerns about foreign influence.

Policy Implications and Practical Effects

• Academic Disruption: Students removed from SEVIS or who lose their visas must stop attending classes, working, or living in the United States 🇺🇸, often with little warning.
• Chilling Effect: The fear of surveillance and sudden status changes leads students to self-censor, avoid protests, and erase online activity.
• Institutional Impact: Universities face financial losses, reduced research capacity, and a less diverse campus environment.
• Graduate Enrollment Decline: The uncertainty has already led to fewer international graduate students enrolling at UNT and other North Texas institutions.

Step-by-Step Procedures for Affected Students

1. Monitor SEVIS Status: Regularly check your SEVIS record and university emails for updates.
2. Contact ISSS: If you are affected, immediately reach out to your university’s International Student and Scholar Services for help and advice.
3. Document Submission: Newly admitted students should continue to submit I-20 or DS-2019 requests and financial documents through the university portal.
4. Legal Consultation: If you face SEVIS removal or visa revocation, seek advice from an immigration attorney who knows student visa issues.
5. Re-registration (for dependents turning 14): If you or your dependent turns 14 in the United States 🇺🇸, you must re-register with USCIS within 30 days. You can find more about this requirement on the USCIS Alien Registration page.

Background and Historical Context

• International Students in North Texas: UNT and other universities in the region have long attracted students from around the world, especially for graduate programs in science, engineering, and business. These students contribute to research, innovation, and the local economy.
• Policy Shifts: The recent actions under President Trump’s administration, including the pause on F and J Visa Appointments and targeted visa revocations, mark a significant change from previous years. The focus has shifted from encouraging international education to prioritizing national security and political concerns.
• Previous Trends: Before 2025, North Texas saw steady growth in international enrollment. The current policy changes have reversed this trend, creating uncertainty for students and institutions alike.

Future Outlook and Anticipated Developments

• Ongoing Uncertainty: The pause on new visa appointments and continued reviews of student status mean that instability will likely continue for the foreseeable future.
• Potential for More Revocations: With federal agencies actively reviewing student records and social media, more students may face SEVIS removals or visa revocations.
• Advocacy and Legal Challenges: Universities and advocacy groups may pursue legal action or policy advocacy to protect international students’ rights and ensure fair treatment.
• Enrollment Impact: UNT and other North Texas universities are preparing for possible declines in international enrollment for the 2025-26 academic year, which could have long-term effects on academic programs and finances.

Official Resources and Contact Information

• UNT International Student and Scholar Services: international.unt.edu
• Immigration Updates: UNT Immigration Updates
• Financial Requirements: UNT Financial Requirements
• General Admissions: UNT International Admissions
• USCIS Alien Registration Requirement: USCIS Alien Registration

Conclusion and Practical Guidance

The recent pause on F and J Visa Appointments, aggressive visa revocation policies—especially for Chinese students—and the wave of SEVIS removals have created a challenging environment for international students in North Texas. The immediate effects include academic disruption, loss of legal status, and a climate of fear and uncertainty. Universities are working to support affected students, but the broader impact on enrollment, finances, and campus life is significant.

Actionable Steps for Students and Universities:

• Stay Informed: Regularly check official university and government websites for updates.
• Seek Support: Use university resources and consult legal experts if you face visa or SEVIS issues.
• Document Everything: Keep records of all communications with university and immigration officials.
• Advocate for Fairness: Work with student groups and advocacy organizations to push for transparent, fair immigration policies.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation remains fluid, and all stakeholders—students, universities, and policymakers—must remain vigilant and proactive in responding to ongoing changes. For the latest official information on student visa requirements and updates, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Student Visa page.

By understanding the current landscape and taking practical steps, international students and universities can better prepare for the challenges ahead, even as the policy environment continues to shift.

Learn Today

F Visa → A U.S. visa issued to international students enrolled full-time at accredited academic institutions.
J Visa → A U.S. visa for exchange visitors participating in approved exchange programs, including students and scholars.
SEVIS → Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, a federal database tracking international student visa and status data.
Visa Revocation → Official cancellation of a visa, terminating the holder’s legal status to enter or remain in the U.S.
I-20 Form → Certificate of Eligibility for F-1 visa applicants, documenting their acceptance and authorization to study in the U.S.

This Article in a Nutshell

North Texas international students face visa appointment pauses and aggressive revocations, especially targeting Chinese students. SEVIS removals disrupt legal status, impacting enrollment and research at UNT. This analysis highlights rising uncertainty, fear, and potential financial harm to universities due to evolving immigration policies restricting student mobility and academic continuity.
— By VisaVerge.com