The U.S. State Department has put a temporary stop on scheduling new visa interviews for foreign students wishing to study in the country. This decision comes as officials prepare to enhance the screening of applicants’ social media activities.
On May 21, 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed a cable stating that consulates should not add any capacity for student or exchange visitor visa appointments until new guidance on social media vetting is issued. An anonymous U.S. official confirmed that this suspension does not affect those who already have interviews scheduled.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce addressed the media, emphasizing that the U.S. utilizes all available resources to vet visa applicants. She stated, "We will continue to use every tool we can to assess who it is that’s coming here, whether they are students or otherwise."
This latest move is part of a broader trend during the Trump administration to tighten regulations on international students. Just last week, the administration revoked Harvard University’s ability to enroll foreign students, a decision that faced immediate legal challenges and is currently blocked by a federal judge.
In addition to halting new visa interviews, the administration has previously revoked the legal status of thousands of international students already in the U.S. Many students left the country out of fear of deportation, but after legal challenges, some had their status restored, albeit with stricter grounds for termination going forward.
The pause in scheduling student visas could disrupt plans for many students looking to enroll in summer and fall terms. This could also impact university budgets, as many institutions have increasingly relied on international students to offset cuts in federal research funding. International students often pay full tuition, making them a vital source of revenue for colleges.
As the situation develops, students and universities alike are watching closely, hoping for clarity and a swift resolution to the visa process.