Dear Student,
The U.S. Department of State announced on May 28, 2025, that it would begin to revoke visas for Chinese students, including “those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields.” The announcement further states that the United States will revise visa criteria to increase scrutiny of all future visa applications of students and scholars from China. The Department of State has not issued any further guidance on the process of visa revocation, a timeline, or the impact it will have on maintaining F/J status in the US, nor has it published the criteria for vetting visa applications in critical fields in the future. The University and the International Services Office (ISO) are closely monitoring developments from the Department of State and will provide timely updates.
We understand that this announcement is unsettling, given its uncertainty. Our advice is that you continue to maintain your F/J status by enrolling in full-time classes, refraining from any unauthorized employment, and seeking immigration advice from your ISO adviser.
If you are an incoming student in the fall, please continue to submit your I-20/DS 2019 request to the ISO via UR Compass and attend the ISO and the First-Year virtual orientations to prepare for your arrival for the fall term. Please continue to check the websites of the US Embassy or Consulate nearest to your place of residence for updates.
As members of the international community, you are essential to the richness of our academic and cultural community. Your presence, ideas, and perspectives help shape a more inclusive and globally aware campus for everyone.
We will keep The Federal Policy Changes on our website updated as information becomes available.
We look forward to seeing you in August.
Meliora!
Ravi Shankar
Interim Vice Provost for Global Engagement
Wendy Fritz
Interim Assistant Vice Provost for International Services & Support