U.S. State Department Suspends All Student and Exchange Visitor Visas Amid Expanded Vetting Plans

In a major development affecting international students, the U.S. Department of State has paused all new visa interview appointments for individuals applying for student (F and M) and exchange visitor (J) visas. The move is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to implement stricter social media screening protocols for foreign nationals.

According to an internal directive shared with U.S. embassies and consulates, the halt in interviews is intended to allow time for an anticipated expansion of social media vetting requirements. The department instructed consular officers not to add any new appointment slots until further guidance is issued.

The announcement has drawn concern and criticism from leaders in the education sector. Dr. Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, expressed alarm, saying, “The idea that visa adjudications are being delayed to comb through social media posts is a troubling use of government resources. International students contribute immensely to our academic communities and economy.”

Legal experts and university officials fear that this pause could disrupt the plans of thousands of prospective students hoping to start their studies in the U.S. this fall. Columbia Law School professor Elora Mukherjee called the move “destructive,” warning that it could harm both the country’s reputation and higher education institutions’ ability to prepare for the academic year.