On the evening of June 4, a presidential proclamation was issued by U.S. President Trump banning foreign students from entering Harvard University on the grounds of national security. The proclamation accused Harvard of non-cooperation with federal requests for international student data and has immediately triggered concern and uncertainty for students and families around the world.

According to the announcement, the ban takes effect immediately and targets individuals holding F, J, and M visas—the primary categories used by international students and exchange scholars. This includes:

• Newly admitted international students planning to begin studies at Harvard

• Current students, who will now face individual visa reviews and the potential risk of revocation

In essence, even if a student has already received an admission offer and a valid visa, there is no guarantee of entry this fall.

Trump also signed an order banning entry from 12 countries — mostly in Africa and the Middle East — and limiting entry from seven more.

F J and M Visa Holders Now Blocked from Entering Harvard

The ban specifically targets students on F, J, and M visas—the standard visa types used by international students and exchange scholars. Entry is immediately suspended for new students. Even if you already have a visa or admission letter, you may be turned away at the border. Current Harvard students also face uncertainty, with visas under federal review and potential revocation.

Harvard Visa Ban Duration

The presidential decree will remain in effect for six months, with the possibility of extension. This means that even if students have received an admission offer and secured a visa, they may still be denied entry or face visa revocation during the process. For those who have spent years striving toward their academic goals and were preparing to begin their studies at Harvard in the fall of 2025, this brings a significant degree of uncertainty and emotional strain at a time that should have marked a celebration of achievement.

Understanding the Origins of the Harvard Visa Ban

A few weeks ago, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security attempted to revoke Harvard University's ability to admit international students. In response, Harvard filed a lawsuit and received a temporary injunction from a federal judge, allowing international admissions to proceed—at least for the time being.

However, this time Trump directly used his presidential executive power to bypass the court, terminate the entry of international students, and achieve the original goal of the Department of Homeland Security.

Short-term Impact:

International students planning to enroll at Harvard in the fall of 2025 will face significant barriers to entry.

Long-term Uncertainty:

While the current executive order is set to last for six months, the situation remains fluid. There is no guarantee it will end as scheduled, and the possibility of the policy expanding to other universities cannot be ruled out. Ongoing attention to policy changes is essential.

Strategic Adjustment:

Students and families currently applying to U.S. undergraduate or graduate programs should take steps to reassess their plans. Building a flexible and balanced list of schools will help maintain stability and preserve options as the landscape continues to shift.

7EDU Guidance for U.S. College Applicants During Policy Shifts

As recent policy shifts create added complexity in the U.S. college admissions process, students and families are seeking reliable guidance to make informed decisions. At 7EDU, we closely follow admissions trends and government updates to help families navigate these changes with clarity. Here are our key recommendations for applicants preparing during this evolving time:

1. For students admitted to Harvard: 
   Please pay close attention to visa updates and official communications from the school. It is important to prepare B and C plans such as deferral, transfer, or dual admission in case circumstances change unexpectedly.

2. Students who are preparing for 2026 applications:
   Stay rational and observe the overall trends carefully. There is no need to panic, but it is necessary to increase awareness of policy fluctuations and understand how they may impact the admissions process.

3. In terms of application strategy:
   The application areas and types of colleges should be arranged rationally to improve both the stability of admission outcomes and the ability to respond to changing situations.
   
   

As U.S. education policies continue to evolve, families navigating the college journey may feel the weight of unpredictability. These changes are more than headlines—they directly affect students’ opportunities and plans. Here at 7EDU, we are closely monitoring developments and sharing concrete updates along with practical planning tools and application strategies that can help families make informed decisions.

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