Summary

In late May 2018, media reports that the US would tighten restrictions on student visas issued to some Chinese students caused a negative reaction from the Chinese government, media and students. Although the US State Department later clarified that their policy had not changed, the reaction to these reports reflects Chinese student concerns about US visa policy.

The initial report from the Associated Press cited an anonymous US official and claimed that visas issued to Chinese postgraduates in "fields like robotics, aviation and high-tech manufacturing" would only be valid for one year, compared to their current five-year validity, while Chinese citizens working as researchers or managers for Chinese companies or organisations on a list of entities requiring higher scrutiny would need "special clearance from multiple US agencies" - a process likely to take several months.

This report was widely circulated in Chinese media and social media, and in some cases interpreted to mean that Chinese students would only be allowed to study in the US for a maximum of one year. It was widely portrayed as an attempt to impede the development of cutting-edge industries in China.

Analysis by Kevin Prest

Although the Chinese foreign ministry welcomed the US clarification that its visa policy towards Chinese students had not changed, and there is likely to be little long-term effect, this event shows that Chinese students are sensitive towards any change in visa policy – especially if that change can be seen as an attack on China. Shifts in perception of countries as welcoming or unwelcoming can cause a major difference in the attractiveness of those countries to overseas students.

Sources

1. Associated Press - US to impose limits on some Chinese visas: https://apnews.com/82a98fecee074bfb83731760bfbce515

2. China Daily - Ministry criticizes planned restrictions on visas: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201805/31/WS5b0f338da31001b82571d488.html

3. Xinhua – China welcomes U.S. clarification on unaltered visa policy: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-06/01/c_137223779.htm