The United States has placed a temporary freeze on new student visa interview appointments at embassies and consulates worldwide. This move, directed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio through a diplomatic cable, applies to all F, M, and J visa categories — which include international students and exchange visitors — and will remain in effect until further guidance is issued.
A Pause Driven by Security Concerns
The directive is part of a broader tightening of immigration controls and comes alongside efforts to ramp up social media background checks for foreign applicants. U.S. missions globally have been instructed to halt new bookings for student visa interviews, although previously scheduled interviews will proceed as planned.
Rubio stated that the administration is intent on denying visas to individuals perceived to have motives beyond education, particularly those allegedly involved in campus activism considered disruptive or antisemitic. The stance follows recent controversies, including the detainment of an international doctoral student involved in political commentary.
Heightened Scrutiny and Policy Tensions
This policy shift also coincides with increased pressure on major U.S. academic institutions. Harvard University has come under fire, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) halting over $2.7 million in research grants due to concerns over antisemitism and protest handling.
The DHS has also warned of potentially revoking Harvard’s certification to host international students under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), should the university fail to meet federal demands regarding student activity disclosures.
Meanwhile, business leaders like Kevin O’Leary are urging the government to adopt more measured policies. Speaking on Fox Business, O’Leary called for vetting and retaining high-performing foreign students, suggesting that their contributions to the U.S. economy could be invaluable.
What Students Should Do Now
For now, prospective students should delay booking any new U.S. student visa appointments and await updates from U.S. embassies or the official consular website. Those with scheduled interviews should proceed as normal unless contacted otherwise.
This development marks another chapter in the evolving landscape of U.S. immigration policy, and international students are advised to stay informed and consult with educational institutions or immigration professionals.