Supporting international students and scholars in the U.S.
APS fosters and encourages international collaboration through programs, partnerships, and resources that support physicists worldwide. In response to proposed federal rule changes that would limit the duration of status for F and J visas, the Society is creating resources to advise the physics community and taking actions to support international scholars.
Toolkit for departments, faculty, and international students in response to F and J visa changes
On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a new rule change to the student and scholar visa categories. This toolkit is intended to guide department chairs and leadership, faculty, and students in navigating these changes through recommendations, suggested timelines, and other resources. The toolkit serves as a starting point, recognizing that institutional priorities and policies will shape specific actions.
White paper: U.S. immigration changes to student and scholar visa categories
Impact and solutions for Ph.D. programs in physics (and astronomy): A "new way" of doing things
This white paper is intended to inform the physics community of the changes to F and J visa regulations and concomitant Certificates of Eligibility, as well as of the potential impacts on students and graduate education, including faculty and departments.
More about the white paper and visa toolkit
APS has surveyed and solicited stories from members affected by these visa changes to advise the Society's efforts. APS has also engaged experts in graduate and international education to develop resources, including a white paper and EP3 Guide toolkit, that assists higher education physics departments in responding to potential challenges in overall program disruption as well as in recruiting, enrolling, and retaining international students.
APS is grateful for support from the Moore Foundation for these efforts.
Webinars for departments, faculty, and students supporting international scholars
Discover how you can support international students and scholars through the changing visa landscape.
Upcoming: Navigating the New Duration of Status Rule
An APS Visas Policy Toolkit Webinar Presented by the APS Forum on Graduate Student Affairs
Attorney Andrew Rodgers provides a legal perspective on the Department of Homeland Security rule change and its implications for international students and scholars. APS consultants Jenny Samaan and Bennett Goldberg introduce the Toolkit for Departments, Faculty, and International Students in Response to F and J Visa Changes.
On-demand: Studying in the U.S as an International Student
Staying Informed and Empowered on Immigration Issues
This November 2025 APS webinar informs and empowers students about essential immigration issues while they study in the U.S. The presentation by Dan Berger, Academic Fellow at Cornell Law School and head of the Academic and Medical Immigration Team at Green & Spiegel LLC, equips prospective and current international students to navigate current political and policy challenges, understand the visa process, and access APS support and resources.
Panel recording: Responding to Proposed U.S. Immigration Changes to Student and Scholar Visa Categories
This panel discussion at the 2026 Global Physics Summit summarizes proposed changes to the federal government rules governing F and J visa regulations and concomitant Certificates of Eligibility, addresses the potential impacts on students and graduate education, and shares actionable recommendations and resources for departments, faculty, and students.
APS action to support international collaboration
As a leader and convener of the physics space, APS encourages ongoing international collaboration, as well as Society membership and research authorship by physicists throughout the world.
This letter to the editor was originally printed in the Chronicle of Higher Education on May 21, 2026, and is reprinted here with permission. It notes the harm new regulations for the F and J visa would cause colleges and international students.
This letter to the editor, originally printed in The Washington Post on April 7, 2026, is reprinted with permission and discusses proposed changes to F and J visas that could harm STEM students' education and US scientific innovation.
In September 2025, APS provided public comment on the Administration's proposed changes to Duration of Status policies.
In October 2025, APS and 12 partners representing more than 300,000 researchers, students, labs, and companies filed a legal brief in support of international students studying in the U.S. The case is currently pending.
Studying physics in the U.S.? Explore essential guides on visas, travel, academic life, and career development all in one place.
In June 2025, APS published an open letter to international students and researchers, outlining concrete actions APS is taking to encourage fair visa policies, recognition of the value of international students and researchers, and robust federal science funding.
APS has engaged the Society’s members through advocacy initiatives, including writing letters to the editor and op-eds to advocate for policies important to the scientific community.
In August 2025, APS published an open letter to international colleagues to reaffirm the Society’s commitment to global engagement and collaboration.
International physics news
Explore the latest news for the international physics community, including updates on visa policies.
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Through our international outreach activities and worldwide membership, APS serves as a welcoming global hub for physicists from around the world.
We support physics departments, faculty, and K-12 teachers in preparing the next generation of physics students, physicists, and educators.
This program aims to support physicists from conflict-affected regions, whose research or studies have been disrupted, helping them stay connected to the global physics community.
APS upholds our commitment to providing an inclusive, professional home for the global physics community, which includes a thriving U.S. physics enterprise. Join us and your colleagues in asking Congress to support science.