Dear Incoming and Current Students and Scholars from China and Hong Kong,
Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a press statement on May 28, 2025, indicating that the Department of State (DoS) will revoke visas for Chinese students who are deemed to have connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields. The statement added that the DoS “will also revise visa criteria to enhance scrutiny of all future visa applications from the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong.” The statement did not provide additional information, such as what is included in “critical fields” or what type of enhanced scrutiny visa applicants from China and Hong Kong might face.
Important Considerations
We are monitoring this development and will share updates as we receive them. In the meantime, here are a few things to consider:
- The statement refers to visa revocation only for students who are citizens of China, but it is possible that enhanced scrutiny of all future visa applications may apply to both students and scholars, and applicants from China and Hong Kong.
- The DoS typically communicates a visa revocation directly to the student without any notification to the university. If your visa is revoked, you will receive a notification from the DoS or the U.S. Embassy/Consulate where you applied for your visa. The notification may be sent to the email address you provided on the DS-160 form when you applied for your visa, so please check any old email accounts you might have used at that time. Because a visa revocation notice will only be sent to you, it is imperative that you immediately notify your designated OISS adviser if you receive any such notice.
- We have partnered with immigration attorneys who can provide short-term legal guidance and assistance to Yale students and scholars who face immigration issues. In the case of a visa revocation, OISS can connect you with an immigration attorney.
- Due to the temporary pause in scheduling new visa interviews for F & J visa applicants and the added possibility of visa revocations and enhanced scrutiny of new visa applications, we recommend that our current students and scholars from China and Hong Kong reconsider any planned international travel.
OISS will continue to monitor the situation and send you updated information. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your designated OISS adviser.
Best,
Ozan Say
Director of OISS
