New State Department rules would deny visas to those who fear returning home
While we hope this new directive will not negatively impact students, it’s important to be aware of an additional question now being introduced during visa interviews. All non-immigrant visa applicants, including students, will be asked whether they fear returning to their home country. Applicants who answer “yes” may be denied US travel documents.
This change stems from an executive order signed in January 2025, which called for a reevaluation of all visa programs to ensure they are not being misused by individuals considered threats to national security.
US officials will be required to ask two questions of applicants: "Have you experienced harm or mistreatment in your country of nationality or last habitual residence?" and "Do you fear harm or mistreatment in returning to your country of nationality or permanent residence?"
Visa applicants must respond verbally with a 'no' to both questions for the consular officer to continue with visa issuance," the cable states.
New US bill seeks to shut H-1B door for three years
A new piece of proposed legislation has been introduced in Congress that would significantly change the H-1B program, including a potential three-year pause. However, the likelihood of this bill advancing in the current Congress is low. It would need to pass through multiple committees in both the House and Senate, and strong opposition from industry means a difficult path forward.
The reason for highlighting this proposal is its global visibility. Some international headlines have even suggested that these changes are already in effect. As we speak with students, it’s important to clarify that this is not the case and that the likelihood of the bill passing in its current form remains slim.
The proposal would reduce the annual H-1B cap from 65,000 to 25,000, eliminate existing exemptions, replace the lottery with a wage-based selection system, require employers to certify that they cannot find a qualified American worker, and set a minimum wage of $200,000 a year for H-1B workers.
It would also bar H-1B workers from bringing dependents to the US, prohibit federal agencies from sponsoring or employing nonimmigrant workers, end Optional Practical Training for foreign students, and prevent H-1B holders from adjusting status to permanent residency.
How will the war in Iran impact international student mobility?
It’s hard not to wonder how the conflict in Iran may impact the US, students in the region, and others around the world trying to travel. Consulates across several Middle Eastern countries have opened, closed, and reopened, creating an unpredictable environment for visa processing. Many students are securing visa appointments, only to have them canceled shortly before their scheduled dates.
For students currently studying in the region but holding passports from other countries, the situation is even more complicated. Those who may qualify for third-country visa appointments are now faced with difficult decisions about whether to return home or remain where they are. At the same time, many are closely monitoring airfare and travel logistics, adding another layer of uncertainty.
It’s still too early to fully understand the long-term impact, but this is clearly a situation that requires close attention in the weeks ahead.
When asked for their perspective on an EnglishUSA online forum, member language schools reported a mixed outlook for the summer season. "No one has explicitly referenced high airfare as a reason for not enrolling in courses this summer," said one. "One partner did mention higher flight costs than anticipated, but that did not impact plans to attend our summer sessions. We've also had some partners indirectly reference 'global affairs' as a reason for not sending students this year, without mentioning flights specifically."