USA
U.S. Halts New Student Visa Appointments Amid Expanded Social Media Screening: In a move poised to impact thousands of prospective international students, the U.S. State Department has ordered all American embassies and consulates worldwide to temporarily pause new student visa appointments. This directive comes as the department begins drafting new guidelines to expand social media screening and vetting to all student visa applicants.
According to a diplomatic cable obtained by CNN and signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the suspension applies to F (academic student), M (vocational student), and J (exchange visitor) visa categories. The order directs consulates not to add new appointments and to remove any currently available but unbooked student visa slots. However, appointments already scheduled will continue as planned. Politico was first to report the news.
The cable outlines that the department is reviewing its visa vetting procedures and will soon issue revised guidance that broadens the scope of social media scrutiny for student and exchange visa seekers. This expansion could significantly slow down visa processing times, impacting the operations and staffing resources of U.S. consular services.
The move is the latest in a series of restrictive immigration and visa policies under the Trump administration, which has already revoked numerous student visas and previously attempted to block international students from enrolling at institutions like Harvard University — a measure halted by a federal judge.
While the State Department previously applied selective social media vetting, mostly for national security reasons, this latest development seeks to enforce blanket screening for all student visa applicants.
The directive emphasizes that embassies and consulates should prioritize services for U.S. citizens, immigrant visas, and fraud prevention during the review period.
Critics of the policy warn that expanded vetting may deter international students, many of whom contribute significantly to the U.S. economy and academic research sectors. Universities and advocacy groups are expected to challenge the decision, citing concerns over privacy, discrimination, and the country’s global academic competitiveness.
