The block on the Harvard student ban ability to recruit international students was extended by a federal judge. This comes after a judge initially granted the university’s motion for a temporary restraining order (TRO) on June 5, 2025. The State Department ordered a return to standard processing of student visa applications, in accordance with the TRO.

The TRO specified Harvard could resume student visa processing under the broader status quo before the government’s block begins. Resuming visa processing also ensures U.S. embassies properly handle visas accepted before the student ban. Harvard claimed the extension was necessary due to students having their visas revoked or denied, despite the TRO.

Once enforced, the Harvard student ban will prevent the university from enrolling international students. International students currently enrolled at Harvard are required to transfer schools or have their visas revoked. The ban will affect around one fourth of Harvard’s student body.

Harvard’s now extended TRO will last until the week of June 23, 2025. The university’s international students are permitted to remain at the school until then. It’s expected the judge will file a decision and not grant another extension. Despite the extension, some international students are requesting permission to transfer.

The university has faced increased government scrutiny since early May, 2025. The government claims the measures are necessary due to the university’s failure to address hate speech among its student body. Harvard claims the government’s actions are retaliation for not quelling the protests that occurred on its campus in 2024.

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