The United States has temporarily halted the scheduling of new student visa interviews at its embassies and consulates worldwide. However, interviews that were already scheduled before this directive will continue as planned, according to a State Department cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
This pause in new interview appointments is part of the Trump administration's initiative to implement expanded social media screening for student and exchange visitor visa applicants. The State Department is conducting a review of existing operations and processes for screening and vetting of student and exchange visitor (F, M, J) visa applicants. Based on that review, the department plans to issue guidance on expanded social media vetting for all such applicants.
The directive instructs consular sections not to add any additional student or exchange visitor visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued. However, appointments that have already been scheduled can proceed under the current guidelines. Appointments that are available but not yet taken as of the release of this cable should be immediately removed from availability.
The expanded social media screening is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to enhance national security measures. The administration has previously sought to revoke student visas and has emphasised the importance of thorough vetting processes.
The cable also directs consular offices to continue prioritising services related to US citizens, immigrant visas, and fraud prevention. Officials in the Trump administration have stated that individuals holding student visas or green cards could face deportation if they express support for Palestinians or criticise Israel’s actions in the Gaza conflict. They claim such expressions conflict with US foreign policy and associate them with pro-Hamas sentiments.
Last week, the Trump administration took steps to revoke Harvard University’s authorization to enrol international students. Currently, international students account for approximately 6,800 of Harvard’s total enrolment, representing about 27%. This move is part of broader actions by the administration to challenge the university’s financial position and international reputation, following Harvard’s resistance to implementing major policy changes sought by the government.
While the pause in new interview scheduling is temporary, the State Department has not specified when the new guidance will be issued. Applicants with existing appointments are advised to attend their interviews as scheduled. Those seeking to schedule new appointments will need to wait until the department provides further instructions.
This pause in new interview appointments is part of the Trump administration's initiative to implement expanded social media screening for student and exchange visitor visa applicants. The State Department is conducting a review of existing operations and processes for screening and vetting of student and exchange visitor (F, M, J) visa applicants. Based on that review, the department plans to issue guidance on expanded social media vetting for all such applicants.
The directive instructs consular sections not to add any additional student or exchange visitor visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued. However, appointments that have already been scheduled can proceed under the current guidelines. Appointments that are available but not yet taken as of the release of this cable should be immediately removed from availability.
The expanded social media screening is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to enhance national security measures. The administration has previously sought to revoke student visas and has emphasised the importance of thorough vetting processes.
The cable also directs consular offices to continue prioritising services related to US citizens, immigrant visas, and fraud prevention. Officials in the Trump administration have stated that individuals holding student visas or green cards could face deportation if they express support for Palestinians or criticise Israel’s actions in the Gaza conflict. They claim such expressions conflict with US foreign policy and associate them with pro-Hamas sentiments.
Last week, the Trump administration took steps to revoke Harvard University’s authorization to enrol international students. Currently, international students account for approximately 6,800 of Harvard’s total enrolment, representing about 27%. This move is part of broader actions by the administration to challenge the university’s financial position and international reputation, following Harvard’s resistance to implementing major policy changes sought by the government.
While the pause in new interview scheduling is temporary, the State Department has not specified when the new guidance will be issued. Applicants with existing appointments are advised to attend their interviews as scheduled. Those seeking to schedule new appointments will need to wait until the department provides further instructions.
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