A view of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security headquarters in Washington, D.C., accessed on May 27, 2025. (AA Photo)
By AFP
May 27, 2025 11:21 PM GMT+03:00
The United States has suspended the processing of student and exchange visa applications worldwide, following an internal directive issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, AFP reported.
According to an internal cable obtained by the France-based media, U.S. embassies and consulates have been instructed not to schedule any further appointments for student or exchange visitor visas until additional guidance is provided. The directive applies to all missions globally.
Focus shifts to applicants’ online presence
According to the U.S. media, this decision is part of a broader effort by President Donald Trump’s administration to tighten visa screening procedures. The updated process places increased emphasis on analyzing the social media activity of prospective visa holders, particularly students and participants in cultural exchange programs.
These screenings form part of a wider slate of new immigration controls targeting international students—some of which have already encountered legal challenges in U.S. courts.
More to Read
Although the cable does not specify when the suspension might be lifted, it clearly instructs embassies and consulates not to expand their student or exchange visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued by Washington.
People enter and exit the Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library on the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on April 15, 2025. (AFP Photo)
International students face added hurdles
International students who want to study in the United States are typically required to schedule interviews at a U.S. embassy or consulate—usually located in their home country—as part of the visa application process.
While interview wait times vary by location, most embassies allow appointments to be booked less than two months in advance. However, some posts may require significantly longer lead times.
The abrupt suspension of appointment scheduling is expected to affect thousands of students and exchange visitors worldwide, particularly those preparing to begin academic programs or cultural exchanges in the coming term.
May 27, 2025 11:21 PM GMT+03:00
-
Yash Begins Shooting As Ravana, Photos From Ramayana Sets Go Viral
-
Wipro Shuts Down Manufacturing Unit In Himachal's Baddi, 80 Workers Laid Off
-
RBI Likely To Cut Interest Rates Again On June 6: Poll
-
‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Works Under Fire’: Modern War Institute's John Spencer Hails India’s Homegrown Arsenal
-
Norway Chess: D Gukesh bounces back in third round, beats world no. 2 Hikaru Nakamura
