Trump Administration Halts New US Student Visa Interviews Amid Plans for Expanded Social Media Vetting
2 Min Read
The United States has temporarily halted the scheduling of new international student visa interviews at consulates worldwide, according to a directive from the Trump administration. The move comes as the US government prepares to significantly expand its social media vetting processes for foreign students applying under F, M, and J visa categories.
A State Department cable dated 27 May, obtained by Politico, instructs consular offices globally to suspend the addition of new student and exchange visitor visa appointments until further notice. The order, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, outlines plans for broader scrutiny of applicants’ online presence, aimed at enhancing national security.
This pause is expected to create widespread delays, particularly during the peak visa application season. However, already scheduled interviews will proceed as planned, confirmed Edwin van Rest, CEO of Studyportals. He noted the timing was “particularly unfortunate” for prospective students preparing for the upcoming academic year.
Institutions and stakeholders have urged calm, emphasising the temporary nature of the freeze. “It’s the long-term vision that universities must hold onto,” said ApplyBoard CCO Steven Sintra, speaking at the NAFSA 2025 conference. He remained optimistic about the future of US-bound international student mobility despite current uncertainties.
The latest directive builds on stricter visa protocols introduced after President Trump’s inauguration, particularly targeting applicants involved in pro-Palestinian protests. The new guidelines may soon apply to all student visa seekers, prompting concern across the global education sector.
The United States continues to face criticism over its increasingly hardline approach to international education, including efforts to restrict Harvard University’s ability to enrol international students. The State Department has yet to comment on the long-term implications of the directive.
As scrutiny intensifies, education leaders are urging institutions to remain focused on their international commitments, even as the US navigates a volatile policy environment.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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