Expenses Associated with Obtaining Visas
In the US and UK, international researchers are encountering significant hurdles in obtaining visas, disrupting academic careers and research collaborations.
US Visa Challenges
As of 2025, the US visa system has become highly restrictive and politicized. A presidential proclamation and executive orders effective from June 4, 2025, have banned or heavily restricted visa issuance for nationals from 19 countries, with potential extensions to 36 more. Countries affected include Iran, Libya, Sudan, Yemen, Venezuela, Cuba, Turkmenistan, and China among others [1][2][5].
Visa interviews for international students and scholars were temporarily suspended in May 2025, and even after resuming, they have remained limited, particularly in high-demand countries like India and China, leading to major delays [2][3]. New rules require disclosure of social media accounts and in-person interviews even for visa renewals. This extra scrutiny has resulted in more denials and revocations, especially hitting students and researchers from East Africa and China, threatening their ability to study and collaborate in the US [1][3][5].
The US Department of State has actively revoked visas of students linked to certain countries or alleged affiliations, causing insecurity among international scholars and students [1][5]. These issues have caused a projected 15% decline in international student enrollment, with estimated losses of billions in economic contributions and thousands of jobs, alongside reduced research output and fewer new academic admissions [2][3].
UK Visa Challenges
While recent detailed 2025 data is less prominent in the provided search results, analogous challenges exist in the UK. Visa delays and interview backlogs remain common due to increased security and administrative checks. Some UK visa policies have tightened post-Brexit, enforcing stricter requirements and longer processing times, which complicate admission and transfer for international researchers [5].
Solutions and Mitigations
Institutions such as Harvard have filed lawsuits to halt or challenge restrictive travel bans and visa policies, sometimes temporarily restoring access for affected students and researchers [1]. Universities and research bodies are seeking alternative pathways, such as leveraging global networks, private grants, or remote collaboration to mitigate visa restrictions [3]. Organizations like NAFSA and AILA actively monitor visa impacts, provide legal guidance, and lobby for congressional or governmental oversight and reform to reduce arbitrary visa denials and restore fair access [4][5]. Embassies and consulates are under pressure to expand visa processing capacity during peak periods to lessen backlogs [4].
Impact on Researchers
A survey of over 700 international postdocs at Harvard Medical School in the US revealed challenges in extending their stay, with an average cost of $1000 (£750) for renewal. Over 40% of the surveyed postdocs had to spend more than a month outside the US to renew their visa [6]. The complexity and cost of the UK visa system may deter talented but less wealthy individuals from applying [7].
Mobility for early-career researchers, including studying or working abroad, can be a significant experience. Change in immigration policies may take a long time due to the long-term and difficult-to-quantify effects on economic growth [8]. Some universities have recommended that their international staff and students avoid traveling abroad unless necessary [9]. The stress of visa renewal led at least 75% of respondents to report experiencing mental health challenges [10].
Policy Initiatives
The UK government has launched a global talent drive to attract 'world-class researchers and their teams' [11]. Funders and universities should continue to lobby governments to address immigration policies that hinder the movement of researchers and hold back scientific progress [12]. Maria Burke is the author of a news story titled 'An act of national self-harm: UK visa system deters top chemistry talent' [13].
Note: The survey was conducted between January and March 2024, before the detentions and deportations under President Donald Trump [6]. A cryptic chemistry crossword titled #098, published on 2025-08-08T13:30:00Z, may offer a light-hearted distraction from the challenges faced by international researchers [14].
In summary, US visa policies in 2025 have become highly restrictive and politicized, with direct negative effects on international research mobility, while similar challenges prevail globally including in the UK. Solutions involve legal action, institutional adaptation, and advocacy for policy reform, but delays and denials still significantly hinder international researchers’ ability to enter and contribute.
- To combat the negative impact of visa restrictions on education and self-development, universities and research bodies are seeking alternatives such as leveraging global networks, private grants, or remote collaboration for education-and-self-development purposes.
- The stress of visa renewal and delays in the workplace-wellness sector has led to reports of mental-health challenges among international researchers, indicating a need for health-and-wellness initiatives to support their personal-growth and career-development.
- As a step towards addressing these issues, the UK government has launched a global talent drive to attract 'world-class researchers and their teams', emphasizing the importance of encouraging international education and research collaborations.
- In an effort to support mental health and well-being, some universities recommend that their international staff and students avoid travel whenever possible due to the complexities and potential delays in the visa system.
