The US government has announced the suspension of all new student visa appointments at American embassies as it prepares to introduce expanded social media vetting for international students and foreign exchange visitors.
According to a memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, embassies have been instructed to remove all unfilled student visa slots from their schedules until further notice. Previously booked appointments will still go ahead.
President Donald Trump’s administration is tightening visa screening measures by requiring deeper checks into the social media activity of student visa applicants. While specific details of the new screening process are yet to be disclosed, the move comes amid growing tensions between the Trump administration and top US universities, including Harvard, over alleged discriminatory admissions practices.
Foreign students are a major source of revenue for US universities due to higher tuition fees. They are also required to undergo in-person visa interviews at US embassies abroad.
This policy shift is expected to impact institutions heavily dependent on international enrolment. The administration has previously taken steps like freezing university funding, attempting to deport students, and revoking visas—actions that have been challenged in court.
