US Student Visas for Chinese Students Might Get Revoked in 2025 – New Update
A new visa policy statement from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, announced on May 28, 2025, has sent waves of uncertainty through the international student community, particularly for students from China and Hong Kong. The U.S. government has signaled intentions to revoke visas of Chinese students with alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party or those studying in unspecified “critical fields.”
Additionally, enhanced scrutiny is expected to apply to all future visa applications from Chinese and Hong Kong nationals.
What Was Announced?
According to the press statement:
- The Department of State (DoS) is developing a new policy that may result in the revocation of existing visas for students from China.
- New visa screening criteria will be introduced to increase scrutiny on Chinese and Hong Kong student applicants.
- No specific fields of study have yet been defined as “critical fields.”
What This Means for Students?
This announcement has raised serious concerns among universities, international offices, and thousands of Chinese students across the U.S. Here are the new implications and steps to follow:
1# Visa Revocations May Be Issued Individually
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- If your visa is revoked, the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy/Consulate will notify you directly.
- Notifications will likely be sent to the email address used on your DS-160 visa application form—make sure to check any old email addresses you might have used.
- Your university will not receive this notice, so it is your responsibility to immediately notify your Designated School Official (DSO) or international adviser if you receive such communication.
2# Impacts May Extend Beyond Students
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- Although the current announcement targets students, enhanced scrutiny could also apply to scholars and research staff.
- This includes visa applicants for J-1 exchange visitor programs and postdoctoral positions.
3# Avoid International Travel Temporarily
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Due to this development and the recent pause in scheduling F & J visa interviews, students from China and Hong Kong are strongly advised to postpone international travel unless absolutely necessary.
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References
- https://iss.wisc.edu/update-for-chinese-students-regarding-may-28-visa-policy-announcement/
- https://id.usembassy.gov/statements-from-u-s-secretary-marco-rubio-on-new-visa-policies-put-america-first-not-china/
- https://oiss.yale.edu/news/update-regarding-department-of-state-statement-on-visa-revocations
- https://internationalcenter.umich.edu/about/news/us-department-state-announces-plans-revoke-some-chinese-student-visas.
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