The U.S. State Department has temporarily suspended the scheduling of new visa interviews for international students and exchange visitors as it prepares to roll out expanded social media screening protocols, according to officials familiar with the matter.
The suspension, which does not affect applicants who have already secured interview appointments, comes as the administration moves to implement stricter vetting measures. A diplomatic cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and obtained by The Associated Press directs U.S. consulates worldwide to pause any new student or exchange visitor visa appointments until further guidance is issued.
“Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consulate sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor visa appointment capacity,” the cable states.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed the move during a Tuesday press briefing, emphasizing the government’s commitment to rigorous visa screening. “We will continue to use every tool we can to assess who it is that’s coming here, whether they are students or otherwise,” Bruce said.
The policy shift is the latest in a series of actions by the Trump administration targeting international students. Last week, Harvard University was stripped of its authorization to enroll foreign students, a decision now temporarily blocked by a federal court. Earlier this year, thousands of international students lost their legal status under tightened regulations, though many have since had their status reinstated following legal challenges.
The decision to expand social media vetting marks a continuation of policies introduced during Donald Trump’s previous term and maintained under President Joe Biden, which require many visa applicants to disclose their online activity for scrutiny.
University officials and education advocates warn that the visa interview freeze could delay student arrivals ahead of summer and fall terms, potentially impacting institutional budgets. Many colleges rely on full-tuition payments from international students to offset reductions in federal research funding.
The State Department has not specified how long the suspension will last but has indicated that it will resume scheduling once new screening guidelines are finalized.
Written By Rodney Mbua
