U.S. Reverses Course, Resumes Harvard University Student Visas

On Friday, the 6th of June, in a dramatic turnaround sparked by a federal court order, the U.S. State Department issued a directive to all U.S. embassies and consulates around the world to resume the processing of Harvard University student visas and exchange visitor visas. This urgent cable followed a temporary restraining order (TRO) by U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs, halting the federal government’s efforts to block international students from attending Harvard.

This decision came after a significant disruption that occurred on Thursday, 22 May 2025, when the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), under Secretary Kristi Noem, officially revoked Harvard University’s SEVP certification. This move made it illegal for the institution to enroll new international students. Without SEVP certification, Harvard University international students could not process their visas, leaving current and prospective international students in limbo. You can click on the link to read the whole story.

The news sent shockwaves through the academic world. Students across the globe, many of whom had already secured admission, were suddenly facing the possibility of being denied entry into the U.S. or, worse, being forced to transfer out of Harvard entirely. The uncertainty surrounding Harvard University student visas raised legal and ethical questions that quickly entered federal court.

Harvard responded swiftly, bringing its concerns before Judge Burroughs. The university argued that the abrupt visa freeze was damaging to students and unlawful. The court agreed, at least temporarily, prompting the TRO that forced the U.S. State Department to walk back its previous guidance.

The cable, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, made it clear:

“Effective immediately, consular sections must resume processing of Harvard University student visas. No such applications should be refused.”

This directive effectively overruled the earlier instruction that had barred embassies from issuing Harvard University student visas. Embassies and consulates were told to return to “standard processing” in full compliance with the court’s ruling.

For many international students, this update came as a sigh of relief. With academic terms approaching, delays in Harvard University student visas had the potential to derail months, if not years, of planning and preparation. Students now have a window of opportunity to proceed with their visa interviews and travel plans.

Still, uncertainty remains. While the court’s TRO has temporarily protected the rights of international students, a more comprehensive legal resolution is pending. A major hearing is scheduled for next week, further determining whether DHS’s revocation of Harvard’s SEVP certification will be permanently reversed.

Until then, the resumption of the issuance of Harvard University student visas is a win, not just for Harvard but for international education as a whole. It’s a reminder that access to education should not be a political chess piece and that legal safeguards remain crucial for protecting students’ futures.