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.
Proposed 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 proposed 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 is surveying and soliciting stories from members affected by these visa changes to advise the Society's efforts.
APS has engaged experts in graduate and international education to develop resources, including a white paper and EP3 Guide toolkit, that will assist higher education physics departments in responding to potential challenges in overall program disruption as well as in recruiting, enrolling, and retaining international students.
The white paper is available as of January 2026, with the toolkit to be released after the visa rule change is made public.
APS is grateful for support from the Moore Foundation for these efforts.
On-demand webinar: 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.
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.
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.