US indefinitely suspends visa interviews for foreign students

The U.S. Department of State has indefinitely suspended visa interview appointments for foreign students seeking to study in the United States. Alongside this, the timeline for social media screenings of applicants has been extended.

The Associated Press (AP) reported this on Wednesday, citing sources from relevant U.S. officials.

In a notice signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, it was revealed that the Department of State plans to issue new guidelines regarding social media vetting.

According to the report, until these new guidelines are released to consular sections, no visa appointments will be granted to students as preparations are underway to expand the scope and duration of social media checks.

When asked about the suspension during a briefing on Tuesday, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that the U.S. uses all available systems to thoroughly vet visa applicants.

She added, “We will continue to do our utmost to assess who is coming here, whether they are students or others.”

This move marks the latest step in the Trump administration’s stringent policies toward international students. Last week, the administration revoked the ability of Harvard University to admit international students. However, a federal judge has temporarily blocked this decision following a legal challenge.