US halts new student visa interviews worldwide, plans stricter social media vetting: Reports
The US government has reportedly instructed embassies worldwide to pause scheduling new interviews for student and exchange visitor visas. The decision, as reported by a British newspaper, appears to be part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to tighten oversight on foreign students entering the country.A communication reportedly issued by the US State Department on Tuesday directed consular offices to refrain from adding any new appointment slots for F, M, and J visa categories – those typically used by academic students and participants in educational exchange programs – until further notice. This halt could lead to significant delays in visa issuance, potentially disrupting plans for students seeking to begin studies in the upcoming academic terms.According to reports, the government is also moving forward with plans to implement more extensive background checks on student visa applicants, with a particular focus on social media activity. Under the proposed measures, consular officials would be tasked with examining applicants’ online presence – scrutinising posts, comments, likes, and shares on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter)—to identify any content that might raise national security concerns.The temporary freeze comes amid ongoing efforts by the administration to reform the student visa system, which officials argue needs to be strengthened to prevent misuse.
The US government has reportedly instructed embassies worldwide to pause scheduling new interviews for student and exchange visitor visas. The decision, as reported by a British newspaper, appears to be part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to tighten oversight on foreign students entering the country.
A communication reportedly issued by the US State Department on Tuesday directed consular offices to refrain from adding any new appointment slots for F, M, and J visa categories – those typically used by academic students and participants in educational exchange programs – until further notice. This halt could lead to significant delays in visa issuance, potentially disrupting plans for students seeking to begin studies in the upcoming academic terms.
According to reports, the government is also moving forward with plans to implement more extensive background checks on student visa applicants, with a particular focus on social media activity. Under the proposed measures, consular officials would be tasked with examining applicants’ online presence – scrutinising posts, comments, likes, and shares on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter)—to identify any content that might raise national security concerns.
The temporary freeze comes amid ongoing efforts by the administration to reform the student visa system, which officials argue needs to be strengthened to prevent misuse.
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