ASSOCIATIONS URGE STATE DEPARTMENT TO ACCELERATE STUDENT VISA PROCESSING
The American Council on Education (ACE), joined by several higher education associations, including APLU, NAICU and AAU, sent a letter urging the State Department to prioritize visa processing for international students and scholars ahead of the fall academic term. The letter emphasized the importance of timely visa access amid increased scrutiny and delays that could affect enrollment and academic planning. “Delays can hinder the ability of U.S. colleges and universities to attract global talent,” the groups wrote in the letter, noting that uncertainty in the visa process may shift students toward other countries. The associations called for predictable visa processing to support institutional planning and maintain U.S. competitiveness in attracting international students.
