State Department tells consulates to resume processing Harvard visas

State Department tells consulates to resume processing Harvard visas

The State Department has instructed US consulates around the world to resume processing student visa applications for potential Harvard University students, according to a report from the Washington Post [1]. This directive comes after a week of legal and administrative turmoil involving the Trump administration's attempts to restrict international students from attending Harvard.

On Wednesday, President Trump issued a proclamation barring admission to the United States for students intending to study at Harvard [2]. This move was swiftly challenged by Harvard, which sought a temporary restraining order to block the proclamation. The court granted the order late Thursday, preventing the administration from moving ahead with its plan to deny visas to Harvard students [3].

The State Department initially sent a directive to consulates instructing them to reject visa applications for students planning to attend Harvard [1]. However, this directive was rescinded on Friday night following the court's order [1]. The new directive states that consulates must resume processing of Harvard University student and exchange visitor visas [1].

The decision to resume processing visas is seen as a step in the right direction by immigration attorneys and advocates for international students [2]. However, the uncertainty surrounding the administration's policies has created concern among students and universities. Many international students are reconsidering their plans to study in the United States due to the ongoing legal battles and rapidly changing policies [2].

The State Department has emphasized that even with the ban officially rescinded, consular officers retain significant authority over who is granted a visa. Visas can be refused for any reason, and applicants may face enhanced vetting, including social media screening [1]. This could potentially lead to a higher visa denial rate for Harvard students, even if the university continues to win in court [1].

Harvard and the Trump administration are set to appear in court again on June 16 as the legal battle over the administration's policies continues [2]. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for international students and the higher education sector.

References:
[1] https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2025/06/06/state-department-tells-consulates-reject-harvard-visas/
[2] https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/06/07/metro/trump-harvard-student-visa-us/
[3] https://www.facebook.com/globe/posts/the-state-department-has-instructed-us-consulates-around-the-world-to-resume-pro/1121695319992748/