The U.S. State Department has temporarily stopped scheduling new visa interviews for international students planning to study in the country as it prepares to broaden the review of applicants’ social media activity, according to officials. This pause does not affect those who already have interviews scheduled.
A cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, instructs consulates not to open new appointment slots for student and exchange visitor visas until new guidelines for expanded social media vetting are issued. Speaking at a briefing, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the U.S. is committed to thoroughly screening all visa applicants.
The suspension is part of broader efforts under the Trump administration to tighten oversight of international students.
Recently, the administration revoked Harvard University’s ability to sponsor international students—a decision now temporarily blocked by a federal judge.
Earlier in the year, the administration also rescinded the legal status of thousands of international students already in the U.S., prompting legal challenges. Although some students have had their status reinstated, the government has since broadened the criteria for future revocations.
The previous Trump administration introduced social media reviews for visa applicants—a policy that has continued under President Joe Biden. Prolonged delays in student visa processing could disrupt academic plans for incoming students and financially impact universities, many of which rely on international tuition to offset reduced federal research funding.
