On May 29, 2020, a Presidential Proclamation was issued which bars visa issuance for certain foreign nationals who are both affiliated with the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and affiliated with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) or other institutions supporting the PLA’s “military-civil fusion strategy.” The US government has not published a list of institutions that the Administration considers supportive of the PRC’s military-civil fusion strategy. ISSO will provide updates if/when a list of institutions becomes available. ISSO still accepting and processing initial and extension visa requests for researchers from the People's Republic of China.
Please note that the Proclamation is primarily focused on acquisition of quantum computing, big data, semiconductors, 5G, advanced nuclear technology, aerospace technology and artificial intelligence technology. As such, ISSO doesn’t anticipate that many UCSF students or researchers will be affected. Still, as information surrounding the Proclamation develops, we will share what we know.
In the meantime, please review the following Proclamation FAQs:
What does “Military-Civil Fusion Strategy” mean?
Under the Proclamation, the term “military-civil fusion strategy” is defined as “actions by-- or at the behest of -- the PRC to acquire and divert foreign technologies, specifically critical and emerging technologies, to incorporate into and advance the PRC’s military capabilities."
What is the impact and on whom?
Effective June 1, 2020, foreign nationals will be denied an F or J visa at consulates worldwide if these individuals wish to pursue graduate studies or research (postdoctoral scholars, specialists, etc.), are affiliated with an entity in the PRC that implements or supports the PRC’s “military-civil fusion strategy” and if they meet the following criteria (now or in the past) relating to such entity:
- is currently receiving funding,
- is employed by,
- studies at,
- conducts research at or on behalf of,
- has been employed or studied at,
- conducted research at or on behalf of such an entity.
After 60 days, the US Department State has the authority to revoke visas for F and J visa holders currently in the US who are affiliated with an entity in the PRC’s military-civil fusion strategy. A visa revocation typically means that a visa holder may still remain in the US for the duration of their status and does not necessarily mean that the individual will be removable from the US.
Who can ask if I have questions?
Contact your ISSO adviser. Please keep in mind that ISSO doesn’t currently have much more information than what is in the text of the current Proclamation. Rest assured that ISSO will provide additional information as it becomes available.