Washington, D.C.— The U.S. State Department has temporarily halted the scheduling of new student visa interviews worldwide as of May 28, 2025.
This suspension coincides with the Trump administration's plans to expand social media screenings for visa applicants, a move that has raised concerns among international students and educational institutions.
Key Facts:
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The halt affects all new F, M, and J visa interview appointments globally, including those in India.
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Applicants with already scheduled interviews are not impacted by this suspension.
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The policy change is part of enhanced national security measures focusing on applicants' social media activity.
The decision, outlined in an internal cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, directs U.S. embassies and consulates to pause scheduling student and exchange visitor visa appointments pending further guidance.
This move follows efforts by the State and Homeland Security departments to revoke thousands of visas from foreign students, particularly those with criminal records or suspected links to terrorist organizations.
In India, the U.S. Embassy has been actively working to prevent fraud in the visa application process.
In March 2025, approximately 2,000 visa appointments were canceled after being found in violation of scheduling policies.
The embassy emphasized a zero-tolerance approach towards fraudulent activities.
The broader implications of this suspension are significant. International students contribute substantially to the U.S. economy, with Indian students being a major demographic.
Educational institutions, especially those reliant on foreign student tuition, may face financial challenges.
Additionally, the enhanced scrutiny could deter prospective students, affecting the diversity and global engagement of U.S. campuses.
This development is part of a series of immigration policy changes under the Trump administration.
Earlier, the administration attempted to revoke the legal status of thousands of foreign students, leading to legal challenges and a temporary reversal.
The current focus on social media vetting reflects ongoing efforts to intensify scrutiny of foreign nationals.
"Thorough vetting, including social media checks, is essential for national security," officials argue.
Do You Know?
In 2024, the average wait time for a U.S. student visa interview appointment in India exceeded 200 days, highlighting the challenges faced by applicants even before the current suspension.
Key Terms:
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F Visa: For international students attending academic programs or English language programs in the U.S.
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M Visa: For students enrolled in non-academic or vocational study programs.
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J Visa: For individuals participating in exchange visitor programs, including research scholars and professors.
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Social Media Vetting: The process of reviewing an applicant's social media activity as part of the visa application assessment.
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Visa Appointment Suspension: A temporary halt in scheduling visa interviews, affecting new applicants.