Department(s):
Graduate & Professional StudiesOn May 29, the White House issued a Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Nonimmigrants of Certain Students and Researchers from the People’s Republic of China effective June 1 at 12:00 p.m. This would block entry to certain Chinese graduate students and researchers associated with entities that implement or support the People’s Republic of China’s “Military-Civil Fusion” strategy from using F or J visas to enter the U.S.
To clarify, this proclamation applies only to graduate level education and higher. Undergraduate students are not impacted. If you are or have been funded by, employed by, studied at or conducted research at a facility or on behalf of a facility that implements or supports the Chinese Military-Civil Fusion Strategy your ability to receive an F or J visa could be impacted. This proclamation applies only to people who meet the above criteria.
Military-Civil Fusion means “actions by or at the behest of the People’s Republic of China to acquire and divert foreign technologies, specifically critical and emerging technologies to advance China’s military capabilities.” You are considered to have a connection to Military-Civil Fusion Strategy if you have been funded by, employed by, studied, or researched at, or on behalf, of a connected entity.
The proclamation does NOT apply to the following:
US citizens or lawful permanent residents
Spouses of US Citizens or lawful permanent residents
Individuals at the undergraduate level
Individuals currently in the United States on an F or J visa.
Please continue to follow updates from the Department of State and Homeland Security. We will also continue to update you as we receive information.
This proclamation will have no impact on your application or admission decision. WPI will continue to make admissions decisions based on your academic and professional backgrounds and your interest in areas of study and research. Additionally, I-20’s will continue to be processed by WPI for admitted and deposited students who have submitted the necessary paperwork for an I-20.
If you have questions about this proclamation and how it impacts your particular plan of study please contact grad@wpi.edu or ih@wpi.edu.