On October 8, 2026, Vice President JD Vance said nine universities should be investigated over how they use the J-1 exchange visitor visa, according to news reports. The schools named are Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Brown, MIT, Caltech, UC Davis, Arizona State University and the University of Pittsburgh.
What was claimed: Vance said these universities use J-1 visitors for federally funded research at a rate of about 61 percent, compared with about 38 percent nationally. Reports say the Labor Department is leading the investigation and that subpoenas have been served.
What has not happened: officials have not announced any finding of wrongdoing, and reports say no direct evidence was presented. Yale said it is committed to full compliance with federal rules for J-1 visas. These are allegations, not court findings.
What it means for you: the J-1 program itself is still open. If you are a J-1 researcher, scholar or student at one of these schools, ask your university's international office about your own situation. Our guide to the J-1 two-year home residency rule explains one of the main J-1 rules in plain words.
More reading: Inside Higher Ed and The Hill.
Rules can change quickly. This is general information, not legal advice.