Webinar Recording

What does the proclamation mean?

Effective June 1, 2020, the proclamation suspends and limits certain Chinese nationals holding F or J visas from seeking entry to the U.S. if they will engage in graduate study or research in the U.S. AND have been funded by, studied at, been employed by or conducted research at or on behalf of an entity in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) that implements or supports the Chinese government’s military-civil fusion (MCF) strategy. The proclamation defines the MCF strategy as “actions by or at the behest of the PRC to acquire and divert foreign technologies, specifically critical and emerging technologies, to incorporate into and advance the PRC’s military capabilities.”

Who is included in the proclamation?

Some categories of Graduate and PhD students as well as scholars from China holding F and J visas and seeking entry to the U.S. who have:

  • received funding from,
  • studied at,
  • been employed by,
  • conducted research at or on behalf of,

an entity in the PRC that implements or supports the PRC’s military-civil fusion strategy.

How will I know which organizations or institutions are considered to be an entity in the PRC that implements or supports the PRC’s military-civil fusion strategy?

At this time, the government has not published a list.

Under the proclamation, the Secretary of State will determine which entities are covered, and we will provide more information once the government has identified the entities.

What if my UG degree is from one of the institutions associated with PRC’s military-civil fusion strategy?

At this time, the government has not published a list.

Under the proclamation, the Secretary of State will determine which entities are covered, and we will provide more information once the government has identified the entities.

What if my F/J visa in my passport is revoked while I am currently in the U.S.?

A valid visa stamp in your passport is only required for entry or re-entry into the U.S. You only need to apply for a visa stamp if you chose to travel outside of the U.S.  While in the U.S. you maintain valid F/J visa status with your I-20 or DS-2019 documentation.

Who is not included in this proclamation of Suspension and Limitation on Entry?

  • F and J students from China currently in the U.S.
  • F and J undergraduate students from China
  • Permanent residents of the U.S.
  • Spouses of U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
  • Any individual who is studying or conducting research in a field involving information that would not contribute to the PRC’s military civil fusion strategy, as determined by the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security.
  • Any individual whose entry would be in the national interest, as determined by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or their respective designees.
  • Individuals who are members of the U.S. Armed Forces and any individual who is a spouse or child of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces.
  • Individuals whose travel falls within the scope of section 11 of the United Nations Headquarters Agreement or who would otherwise be allowed entry into the U.S. pursuant to U.S. obligations under applicable international agreements.

How may this proclamation affect students from China (PRC) who are currently in the U.S. on F or J visas?

The proclamation indicates that the Secretary of State shall use discretion to review and determine if any action on students and scholars from China currently in the U.S. should be taken. No further details have been provided.

When is the effective date of this proclamation?

The proclamation is effective at 12:00 p.m. eastern daylight time on June 1, 2020.

For how long is this proclamation in effect?

This proclamation remains in effect until terminated or modified by the President of the U.S.

How will the Office of Global Services (OGS) support students from China seeking to begin or continue their academic programs at Northeastern University?

  • OGS will continue processing I-20s and DS-2019s for students and scholars seeking to pursue their academic programs and engagements at Northeastern University.
  • In conjunction with academic colleges, OGS will provide support letters for students to use during their visa application appointments at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.
  • Additionally, OGS will travel support letters for students seeking entry into the U.S.

I am an incoming international student/scholar and I have not yet received my form I-20/DS-2019. What should I do?

Please contact our OGS team at [email protected] or (617) 373 2310 so that we can review your record and advise accordingly.

If I am preparing to travel to the U.S. what should I do?

Please ensure that you have valid documents for travel and make sure that your passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and F-1 or J-1 visa stamp will be valid for your expected date of entry.

  • If you are a continuing student or scholar returning to the U.S., you will require a valid travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019. Travel signatures are valid for one year while enrolled in classes, or until your program end date. While on Post-Completion OPT, your travel signature is valid for six months from the date signed. Remember you do not need a new travel signature for each time you travel.
    • If you are a J-1 short-term scholar or a J-1 student currently on Academic Training (AT), your travel signature is valid for six months or until your current program end date – whichever occurs first.
    • To request a travel signature, please log in to myOGS and complete the e-form request. Requests will be approved as soon as possible. I-20s will be sent electronically and DS-2019s will be mailed.
    • Please continue to follow updates regarding travel and visa issuance at travel.state.gov
    • Please register your travel through the Travel Registry to keep us informed of your intended arrival in the U.S.

Northeastern University continues to review and monitor the scope and impact of this proclamation on our students and scholars and will continue providing updates of our support and response.

For any further questions or to discuss your unique situation, please contact our OGS team at [email protected] or (617) 373 2310 so that the university can comprehensively advise and support you with your travel plans.

Resources: