Unfortunately, the DHS announced earlier today that Harvard University’s participation in SEVP has ended. This is unprecedented and means that thousands of students on F1 and J1 visas sponsored by the school – including Harvard Medical School (HMS) – are now likely out of status.
No communication has been sent by Harvard to the student body yet, and it is unclear what next steps will be required of its students. There are many Canadians among those affected, including at Harvard Medical School. Anecdotally, there are ~20 Canadians enrolled at HMS in its MD programs and many more pursuing other graduate degrees.
This is an example of one unexpected barrier Canadian medical students may face and should be aware of when considering study in the United States; despite our close relationship, studying in the US as a non-immigrant is a privilege afforded to non-citizens that can be revoked.
Notably, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s daughter Cleo Carney is an undergraduate at Harvard meaning this move may also have political consequences.
Update #1 – May 23rd, 2025
Harvard President Alan Garber put out two statements today, expressing support for international students and sharing legal action that Harvard is pursuing. This was the first communication sent out to students, nearly a full day following the DHS press release. Additionally, the Harvard International Office released their first statement and a FAQ page with some specific details around the rapidly evolving situation.
Here are the relevant updates:
- Harvard filed an emergency temporary restraining order (TRO) which was granted by a federal district court in Boston; this means that Harvard’s participation in SEVP has been reinstated until May 29th when a hearing will take place for Harvard’s motion for a preliminary injunction
- F1 and J1 students and their dependents are considered in-status at least up until that point, and there are reports of students and scholars from Harvard successfully re-entering the United States
- J1 students (which affects Medical Residents or students receiving funding) are somewhat more protected; the State Department and not DHS has the authority to revoke their status.
This post will be updated as more news becomes available to students.