US Resumes Student Visa Interviews
2 Min Read
The United States has resumed student visa interviews globally after a nearly four-week pause, introducing enhanced vetting measures focused on applicants’ online activities. The US State Department has issued fresh instructions to embassies and consulates to restart visa scheduling while implementing stringent new screening protocols.
Signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the cable directs consular officers to assess applicants’ digital presence beyond social media, including online databases for signs of hostility toward US citizens, government, or institutions. Emphasis has been placed on identifying support for foreign terrorist groups and anti-Semitic rhetoric, with Hamas cited explicitly.
Although flagged online activity will not automatically disqualify applicants, it may trigger further review to determine whether individuals are likely to engage in any hostile activities. The screening process also includes taking screenshots of online material to preserve evidence during evaluations.
The new measures apply to all F and J visa applicants, including returning students and those who have been previously interviewed but not yet approved. Additionally, applicants from universities with less than 15% international student enrolment and medical professionals applying for J-1 visas will be prioritised.
Mark Kopenski, CEO of Global Student Recruitment Advisors, reassured students, noting, “For 99% of applicants, this will not be an issue. Most will pass through the enhanced checks quickly, even with AI tools involved.”
The policy shift follows mounting pressure from education leaders and advocacy groups like the US for Success Coalition and NAFSA, who labelled the interview freeze “troubling.” Stakeholders warned that resuming appointments alone would not solve the backlog, with many students at risk of missing summer programmes or semester start dates.
This latest directive follows President Donald Trump’s recent pivot on international education, initially supporting green cards for graduates, but now enforcing stricter visa controls.
Meanwhile, in a surprising development, Trump also claimed a new agreement with China would allow Chinese students’ continued access to US universities, despite recent visa developments.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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