US Department of State's Statement on Revoking Visa's of Chinese Students

ISSS sent the following email to students from China and Hong Kong on May 31, 2025

Dear Students from China and Hong Kong,

This week, ISSS sent all international students an update on the suspension of visa appointments at US embassies and consulates around the world. With apologies for a second message in two days, we have some information to share for students from China and Hong Kong (designated separately by US Department of State).

You may have seen that the US federal administration has made a statement suggesting it will consider revoking visas of Chinese students who have "connections to the Chinese Communist Party" or are "studying in critical fields.” As with many recent pronouncements, the details are vague. 

In International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), we are monitoring this situation closely, comparing notes with peer institutions, and taking guidance from professional associations.  In the absence of details, here is some context: 

  • The State Department has authority to issue and revoke visas and should notify students using the email account used when students first applied for their visa.
  • A revoked passport visa does not impact your legal status in the US because it is only an entry document used when entering the US at a port of entry. You are in legal status in the US as long as you have the following:
  • valid foreign passport (at least 6 months into the future),
  • active SEVIS record with valid I-20 or DS-2019,
  • I-94 arrival record with correct status (F-1 D/S or J-1 D/S) which you can access at cbp.gov/i94.
  • A revoked visa could lead to removal proceedings by ICE, although it is unknown if, and when, this might happen.
  • A revoked visa could also trigger the termination of your F-1 SEVIS record which would directly impact your eligibility to remain in the US.
  • ISSS checks the SEVIS system regularly for terminations and will let you know as quickly as possible if your SEVIS record has been terminated.

Finally, the Dept of State has an online tool that you can access to learn if your visa has been revoked. The online tool can be found on the US Department of State website. You may need your visa application ID number or case number which can be found on your DS-160 visa application submission confirmation.  ISSS continues to be committed to your success and will provide updates as we receive them.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact ISSS at 541-346-3206 or intl@uoregon.edu and we will support you as best we can.

Very best,

Becky Crabtree

Director

International Student Services