U.S. Halts New Student Visa Interviews Amid Expanded Social Media Screening Plans

Secretary of State, Marco Rubio

The U.S. State Department has temporarily suspended the scheduling of new visa interviews for international students as it prepares to implement expanded screening of applicants' social media activity. The move, officials say, is a preparatory measure aimed at tightening vetting procedures for student and exchange visitor visas.

An internal communication signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed all consular sections to halt the addition of new interview appointments for student or exchange visitor visas until further guidance is issued. The cable stated, “Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consulate sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor visa appointment capacity.”

This temporary suspension does not affect applicants who already have scheduled interviews. According to a U.S. official familiar with the directive, the pause is expected to be short-term. The official requested anonymity to discuss internal policy matters.

At a briefing, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed the department’s commitment to comprehensive vetting procedures. “We will continue to use every tool we can to assess who it is that’s coming here, whether they are students or otherwise,” Bruce said.

A protester cheers while listening to Harvard University students speak at a protest against President Donald Trump’s recent sanctions against Harvard in front of Science Center Plaza on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass

The suspension is the latest development in a series of immigration enforcement actions focused on international students. Last week, the federal government revoked Harvard University's authority to enroll international students, removing its ability to sponsor foreign student visas. A legal challenge has temporarily blocked that move.

Earlier this year, thousands of international students already in the U.S. had their legal status revoked, prompting many to leave the country over fears of deportation. Although the government later reinstated their status following legal challenges, new rules expanded the criteria for terminating student visas moving forward.

The Trump administration originally introduced enhanced social media vetting for visa applicants—a policy that continued under the Biden administration. Now, with further expansion planned, the suspension of new interview scheduling could cause significant delays for students aiming to begin studies in the summer or fall. Colleges, boarding schools, and exchange programs could feel the impact if international enrollment is disrupted.

Universities that rely on international student tuition to offset reduced federal research funding may face budgetary shortfalls if delays persist.