The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has suspended Harvard University’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), temporarily barring it from admitting international students for the 2025–26 academic year. The decision has triggered concern among Indian students, both current and prospective, as they seek clarity on visa eligibility and academic continuity.

Key Points:

1. Nearly 800 Indian students currently enrolled at Harvard are affected, and the university cannot admit new international students under F-1 visas during the suspension.
2. DHS cited concerns related to campus safety, allegations of antisemitism, and foreign affiliations as reasons for revoking SEVP certification.
3. Harvard has filed a legal challenge and obtained a temporary restraining order that allows it to continue processing international student admissions during court proceedings.
4. Affected students are exploring transfer options to SEVP-certified institutions or reconsidering their study abroad plans entirely.
5. The incident has raised anxiety among international applicants and may influence student preferences toward alternative global education destinations.