The U.S. State Department has temporarily paused the scheduling of new visa interviews for international students as it prepares to implement expanded social media screening protocols. According to a cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, consulates have been instructed not to add any new appointments for student or exchange visitor visas until official guidance is released. The suspension does not affect applicants who already have scheduled interviews.
This move is part of the broader immigration policies seen under the Trump administration, which included revoking Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students-an action currently blocked by a court. The latest pause raises concerns of delays that could disrupt international student enrollment for upcoming academic terms, potentially impacting university budgets that depend heavily on full-tuition-paying foreign students.
