The United States has announced plans to begin revoking visas of Chinese students and tighten screening for future applicants from China and Hong Kong, the US State Department stated on Thursday.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on the social media platform X that visas of Chinese students, including those with ties to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in sensitive fields, would be revoked.
Sec Rubio says the State Dept and DHS will work together to “aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields”and will “enhance scrutiny” of all future visa apps from China & Hong Kong pic.twitter.com/XqNTo0JEEV
— Sara Cook (@saraecook) May 28, 2025
In a press release, the State Department added that it would revise visa requirements to increase scrutiny of all future applications from the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong.
It is not yet clear how many current students in the US will be affected or whether any exemptions will be granted.
According to the Institute of International Education (IIE), approximately 277,000 Chinese students were enrolled in US universities during the 2023–2024 academic year, making them the second-largest group of international students after those from India.
The US already enforces strict visa regulations on Chinese nationals in certain academic fields, especially science and technology.
China’s Foreign Ministry condemned the move, with spokeswoman Mao Ning stating in Beijing that Washington’s actions expose the false claim of freedom and openness the US has long promoted.
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These new measures come amid reports that the State Department has temporarily suspended visa interviews for international students and exchange visitors while reviewing its screening process, including enhanced checks on social media activity.
This pause affects F, M, and J visa categories, which cover students, interns, and au pairs, with further guidance expected soon.
Relations between Washington and Beijing have further deteriorated since US President Donald Trump took office in January, with the two powers engaged in an escalating trade dispute and rivalry for global influence.
