Key Takeaways
• DHS revoked Harvard’s SEVP certification on May 22, 2025, stopping Harvard from enrolling international students.
• The U.S. paused scheduling new international student visa interviews starting May 27, 2025, causing delays.
• Visa applications from China and Hong Kong face increased scrutiny with longer processing and higher denial rates.
As of June 2025, international students in the United States 🇺🇸 face a wave of policy changes and new challenges that could reshape the country’s role as a global education leader. In a series of rapid developments, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revoked Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, the Department of State paused new international student visa interviews, and new rules were announced to increase scrutiny of visa applications from China 🇨🇳 and Hong Kong 🇭🇰. These changes, combined with ongoing legal battles over student records and increased vetting, have left students, universities, and policymakers grappling with uncertainty.
This article breaks down what happened, why it matters, and how these changes could affect international students, universities, and the future of U.S. higher education. It also explains the steps students must follow to apply for and maintain an international student visa, and what to watch for in the months ahead.
Harvard’s SEVP Certification Revoked: What Happened and Why It Matters
On May 22, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security revoked Harvard’s SEVP certification. SEVP, or the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, is a government program that allows U.S. schools to enroll international students and issue the I-20 form needed for the F-1 student visa. Without SEVP certification, Harvard cannot legally host international students or help them get or keep their student visas.
Why did this happen? The DHS has not released full details, but the move comes amid a broader push for stricter immigration controls and increased vetting of foreign students. The decision is especially significant because Harvard is one of the world’s most famous universities and has a large international student population.
What does this mean for students?
– Current international students at Harvard could lose their legal status in the United States 🇺🇸 if they cannot transfer to another SEVP-certified school or if the decision is not reversed.
– New students admitted for the fall may not be able to get the required I-20 form or apply for an F-1 visa.
– No updates have been released on whether Harvard has appealed the decision or if the certification might be restored.
Broader impact: Other universities are watching closely, worried that they could face similar actions. The move signals a tougher stance from the DHS and could make the U.S. less attractive to international students.
Pause in International Student Visa Interviews: Delays and Uncertainty
Just days after the Harvard news, the Department of State announced on May 27, 2025, that it would pause scheduling new international student visa interviews at U.S. embassies and consulates. This pause affects students hoping to start studies in the United States 🇺🇸 for the upcoming academic year.
How does this affect students?
– New students may not be able to get an interview in time to start their programs.
– Delays could force students to defer or cancel their plans to study in the United States 🇺🇸.
– Universities may see lower international enrollment, which could impact campus diversity and finances.
Why was this pause announced? The State Department has not given a detailed reason, but it comes as part of a series of steps to increase security and review visa processes.
Increased Scrutiny for Applicants from China 🇨🇳 and Hong Kong 🇭🇰
On May 28, 2025, the State Department announced new rules to increase scrutiny of all visa applications from China 🇨🇳 and Hong Kong 🇭🇰. This means that students from these places will face more questions and checks when applying for a U.S. visa.
What does this mean in practice?
– Longer wait times for visa decisions.
– More detailed background checks and requests for extra documents.
– Possible higher rates of visa denials for students from these regions.
Why target these regions? The policy is part of a “Put America First” approach, focusing on national security concerns. Officials say the goal is to protect U.S. interests, but critics worry it could hurt academic exchange and research.
Executive Order: Increased Vetting for All International Students
On January 20, 2025, a new executive order required stricter vetting and screening for everyone seeking to enter the United States 🇺🇸, including F-1 and J-1 student visa holders. This means all international students now face more detailed background checks and must provide more information when applying for a visa.
Key changes include:
– More questions about personal history, travel, and connections.
– Extra checks for students in sensitive fields like science and technology.
– Longer processing times for visa applications.
SEVIS Record Terminations and Temporary Restorations
SEVIS, or the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, is the government database that tracks international students in the United States 🇺🇸. In April 2025, the Department of Justice announced it would temporarily restore SEVIS records for thousands of international students whose records had been terminated. This followed lawsuits claiming the government had violated students’ rights.
What does this mean for students?
– Some students regained legal status and could continue their studies.
– The government is working on new rules for when and how SEVIS records can be terminated.
– Uncertainty remains about what will happen next, and students are advised to stay in close contact with their schools and immigration lawyers.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an International Student Visa
For students hoping to study in the United States 🇺🇸, the process to get an F-1 visa involves several steps. Here’s a simple breakdown:
1. Get an I-20 Form from Your School
– The I-20 is a government form issued by your U.S. school. You need it to apply for an F-1 visa.
– Only SEVP-certified schools can issue this form. You can check if your school is certified on the SEVP official website.
2. Pay the SEVIS Fee
– Before your visa interview, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. This fee supports the system that tracks international students.
3. Schedule a Visa Interview
– Go to the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country to schedule an interview.
– Due to the current pause, new interviews may not be available right now.
4. Prepare for the Interview
– Bring your I-20 form, passport, proof of finances, and other required documents.
– Be ready to answer questions about your study plans and ties to your home country.
5. Attend the Interview
– The consular officer will decide if you qualify for an F-1 visa.
For official instructions and forms, visit the U.S. Department of State’s visa page.
Maintaining F-1 Status: What Students Must Do
Once in the United States 🇺🇸, international students must follow strict rules to keep their F-1 status:
- Register for a full course load each semester.
- Keep your SEVIS record up to date by reporting any changes in address, program, or school.
- Follow all school and immigration rules.
- Do not work off-campus without special permission.
If you break these rules, your SEVIS record could be terminated, and you could lose your legal status.
Stakeholder Perspectives: Students, Universities, and Government
International Students
Many international students feel anxious and uncertain. The pause in visa interviews, stricter vetting, and SEVIS record problems can make it hard to plan for the future. Some worry they may have to leave the United States 🇺🇸 or give up their dreams of studying at top schools like Harvard.
U.S. Universities
Universities rely on international students for their talent, diversity, and financial contributions. Schools like Harvard face major challenges if they lose SEVP certification. Other schools are concerned about the impact of visa delays and stricter rules on their ability to attract students from around the world.
Government Officials
Officials at the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State say these changes are needed to protect national security. They argue that increased vetting and careful review of student visas will help keep the country safe.
Background: The U.S. and International Education
For decades, the United States 🇺🇸 has been the top destination for international students. Schools like Harvard have drawn students from every corner of the globe. International students bring new ideas, help drive research, and contribute billions of dollars to the U.S. economy each year.
In recent years, however, the country has seen more rules and restrictions on student visas. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes reflect a shift in U.S. immigration policy, with a stronger focus on security and economic interests.
Legal Battles and Policy Changes: SEVIS and Due Process
The temporary restoration of SEVIS records in April 2025 followed lawsuits claiming that students’ rights to due process and free speech had been violated. The Department of Justice is now working on new policies for SEVIS record terminations. This legal fight shows how complex and high-stakes the rules around international student status have become.
What’s Next? Future Outlook and Possible Changes
Potential Policy Reversals
Some experts believe that if these new policies face strong legal challenges or public criticism, the government may be forced to reverse or change them. For example, if Harvard successfully appeals the loss of its SEVP certification, other schools may feel more secure.
Impact on U.S. Competitiveness
There is growing concern that these changes could make the United States 🇺🇸 less attractive to international students. Other countries, like Canada 🇨🇦 and Australia 🇦🇺, are competing for the same students and may benefit if the U.S. becomes harder to access.
Ongoing Uncertainty
With new rules, legal battles, and policy shifts happening quickly, students and universities must stay alert and flexible. The situation could change again in the coming months.
Practical Guidance for International Students
- Stay in close contact with your school’s international office. They can provide updates and help with paperwork.
- Check official government websites like www.dhs.gov and www.state.gov for the latest information.
- Keep copies of all important documents, including your I-20, visa, and SEVIS receipts.
- If your SEVIS record is terminated, talk to a qualified immigration lawyer right away.
- Be patient and plan for possible delays in visa processing.
Resources and Where to Get Help
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security: www.dhs.gov
- U.S. Department of State: www.state.gov
- Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP): www.ice.gov/sevp
- Higher Education Immigration Portal: www.higheredimmigrationportal.org
For official forms like the I-20, students should work directly with their school’s international office and refer to the SEVP official site.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
The recent changes affecting Harvard, international student visas, and SEVIS records mark a turning point for international education in the United States 🇺🇸. While the government says these steps are needed for security, many worry about the impact on students, universities, and the country’s reputation as a welcoming place for global talent.
International students should stay informed, follow all rules closely, and seek help when needed. Universities must adapt to new challenges and continue to support their international communities. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on how the United States 🇺🇸 balances security with its long tradition of academic openness.
For more details on student visas and the latest updates, visit the U.S. Department of State’s student visa page.
Learn Today
SEVP → Student and Exchange Visitor Program allowing U.S. schools to enroll international students and issue I-20 forms.
I-20 Form → A document from SEVP-certified schools required for applying to the F-1 student visa.
F-1 Visa → A U.S. non-immigrant visa for full-time international students enrolled in academic programs.
SEVIS → Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, a government database tracking international student records.
Visa Interview → A mandatory appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate to determine visa eligibility.
This Article in a Nutshell
In 2025, U.S. international student policies tightened: Harvard lost SEVP certification, visa interviews paused, and China-Hong Kong applicants face tougher scrutiny, posing major challenges for students and universities amid rising uncertainty and legal battles.
— By VisaVerge.com
