US Government Investigates Nine Top Universities Over J-1 Exchange Visas

The Trump administration has opened investigations into nine major US universities regarding their use of J-1 exchange visas. Vice President JD Vance announced the probes on Thursday. The targeted institutions include Harvard University, Yale University, Stanford University, Brown University, the University of Pittsburgh, Arizona State University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the California Institute of Technology, and the University of California, Davis.

Visa Probes And Pay Claims

Vance stated that these universities rely on foreign researchers to lower wage costs for American graduate students and researchers. He reported that US graduate students and researchers make about $20,000 more than workers who arrive on J-1 visas. He also stated that the nine schools used J-1 visa holders for federally funded grants at a rate of 61 percent, compared to a national average of 38 percent. Anthony D'Esposito, the Labour Department inspector general, confirmed that subpoenas have already been served and investigations are active. Brown University acknowledged receiving a subpoena, while other schools stated they plan to cooperate or review the situation.

Broader Visa Changes

These investigations are part of a wider effort by the US government to tighten immigration policies for international students and researchers. The administration plans to replace the duration-of-status system for F, J, and I visa holders with fixed admission periods lasting up to four years. The State Department has also expanded visa screening by requiring applicants to make their social media profiles public for online reviews. Other proposed changes include a $70,000 fee linked to the Optional Practical Training programme, which helps international graduates gain work experience after finishing their degrees. The government has also placed entry restrictions on nationals from certain countries through proclamations issued in June 2025 and January 2026.

Context

J-1 visas are temporary non-immigrant visas issued to foreign nationals who participate in approved exchange visitor programmes, including research scholars, professors, and students. International students and researchers form a major part of the academic workforce at many US research universities. These recent policy shifts create new hurdles for foreign nationals planning to study or conduct research in the United States.