US Suspends Student Visas for International Students: What It Means for Pakistanis

✍️ By Atiya Inayat | May 2025

🚨 Breaking News: US Halts Issuance of F, J, and M Visas

In a surprising turn of events, the United States has temporarily suspended the issuance of student visas for international applicants. This decision, which has sent shockwaves across the global student community, particularly affects visa categories F (academic), J (exchange), and M (vocational).

The move comes amid rising tensions between the US administration and prominent universities like Harvard and Columbia, largely in response to student-led pro-Palestinian protests and growing criticism of US foreign policies, especially those related to Gaza.

📚 Why Did the US Suspend Student Visas?

🔍 Key Reasons Behind the Suspension:

  1. Pro-Palestinian Protests on Campus
    Students at Ivy League universities openly criticized US support for Israel. The protests, though peaceful in many instances, were labeled as “anti-American” and “anti-Semitic” by conservative politicians.

  2. Political Shifts Under Trump’s Leadership
    With Donald Trump back in office, his administration has taken a hard stance on what they perceive as “left-leaning bias” in academia. They’ve targeted institutions for their political narratives and international affiliations.

  3. Security & Policy Concerns
    The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have raised concerns about foreign influence on US campuses, particularly from countries like China, and have responded with visa scrutiny and arrests.

  4. Funding Closures & Degree Verification
    Several funding channels for international students have been shut down. Moreover, the US is now strictly verifying academic backgrounds and degrees from "orange-listed" countries—including Pakistan.

🇵🇰 Are Pakistani Students Affected?

Yes—Pakistani students are directly affected by this visa suspension.

  • Some Pakistani students studying at top-tier institutions like Harvard, Stanford, and Columbia have had their visas cancelled or revoked, even if they weren’t directly involved in protests.

  • Reports confirm that students from over 140 countries, including India, China, and many Muslim-majority nations, have been impacted.

  • Pakistani students are also now subject to increased scrutiny and delays, with Pakistan appearing on the US orange list—a category that prompts additional background checks.

📊 The Numbers: Who Is Affected?

Here are some insights from Harvard University alone:

CategoryNumber
Total International Students~6,800
Students from China27% of total
Students from India~700
Countries RepresentedOver 140 nations

This shows that thousands of international students are now caught in uncertainty.

🛑 Students Detained & Visas Revoked

Several international students have already faced:

  • Visa cancellations

  • Detainment by ICE

  • Bans from re-entering the US

  • Even arrests for not complying with visa rules or engaging in campus activism.

🧠 What Should Students Do Now?

✈️ For Students Already in the US:

  • If you already have a valid visa or appointment, your case will be handled individually. No need to panic, but stay in touch with your university and embassy.

📝 For Students Planning to Apply:

  • Consider alternatives like Canada, Australia, the UK, or Germany, where visa policies are currently more welcoming.

  • If you’re committed to studying in the US, a "wait and watch" strategy is advisable until the policy becomes clearer.

  • Remain updated via USEFP Pakistan and official US Embassy pages.

📌 Final Thoughts

This US visa suspension is more than a political move—it’s a disruption of dreams, futures, and the academic aspirations of thousands. Pakistani students must remain informed, calm, and proactive.

Remember: Education is global. While the doors to one country may close temporarily, many others remain open.

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