The United States has temporarily stopped scheduling new visa appointments for foreign students, including those from India, as the Trump administration prepares to introduce stricter social media vetting for all student and exchange visitor visa applicants. This move, announced through an official cable from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, instructs American embassies and consulates worldwide to halt the addition of new student visa interview slots until further guidance is issued. However, students who have already secured interview appointments will not be affected and their interviews will proceed as planned.
The State Department’s decision is part of a broader strategy to tighten immigration controls and increase scrutiny of international students. The administration has stated that the suspension is temporary and is necessary to allow for operational changes and resource adjustments in consular offices, as the expanded social media screening is expected to place additional demands on staff and processes. The new vetting procedures will require all applicants for F, M, and J visas—categories that cover most student and exchange programmes—to undergo more comprehensive checks of their online activities and social media presence.
Social Media Vetting
Officials have not specified exactly what criteria will be used in the social media vetting, but previous measures targeted students who may have participated in protests or expressed views considered contrary to US foreign policy, particularly regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict.The administration claims these steps are necessary to protect national security and address concerns about antisemitism on American campuses. Critics, however, argue that the move could have far-reaching consequences for both students and universities, with concerns about free speech and the economic and cultural impact on US higher education, which relies heavily on international students.
According to recent data, international students make up nearly 6% of the US higher education population, with over 1.1 million foreign students enrolled in the 2023-2024 academic year. India is currently the largest source of international students in the US, followed by China. Many of these students pursue courses in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, areas where US universities have traditionally attracted global talent.
The Trump administration’s latest directive follows a series of actions targeting international students and universities. Last week, the government revoked Harvard University’s ability to enrol international students, although this move was quickly challenged in court and temporarily blocked by a federal judge. The current suspension of visa appointments is expected to remain in place until new guidelines for social media vetting are finalised and communicated to embassies and consulates.
The State Department has emphasised that it will continue to use all available resources to thoroughly vet visa applicants and ensure that only those who meet the required standards are allowed entry into the US. The pause in new appointments is described as a necessary step to maintain the integrity of the process during the transition to stricter screening measures.
For Indian students and their families, the announcement brings uncertainty and concern, as many were preparing to travel to the US for higher studies in the coming academic session. Universities and educational consultants have urged prospective students to stay in close contact with the US embassy and monitor official updates regarding the resumption of visa appointments and the new vetting procedures.
