The United States government has temporarily paused new student visa appointments at all its embassies around the world. This step comes as officials prepare to introduce stricter rules for checking the background of international students and exchange visitors.
According to a recent notice sent by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, all unbooked visa appointment slots for student applicants are to be removed from embassy schedules until further instructions are given. However, students who already have appointments need not worry their meetings will continue as planned.
The government is expected to roll out new rules that include more detailed checks on social media activity for all student visa applicants. Although the exact details of this new process have not been shared yet, the changes are part of a broader effort to increase national security and monitor potential risks.
This decision follows growing disagreements between the White House and top American universities. President Donald Trump has raised concerns about how some universities handle admissions, with Harvard University drawing the most attention.
International students usually go through in-person interviews at US embassies as part of their visa application. They are also a major source of income for colleges due to the higher fees they pay compared to local students.
In recent years, the US government has taken several steps that have affected foreign students, including attempts to limit their stay and reduce university funding. Many of these actions have been challenged in court.
The pause in visa scheduling is expected to stay in place until the new vetting system is officially launched.
