U.S. Halts New Student Visa Interviews as U.S. Tightens Scrutiny on Foreign Applicants

In a sweeping directive that could significantly impact international student mobility, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered American embassies around the world to suspend the scheduling of new interviews for student and exchange visitor visas. The move, confirmed in a diplomatic cable sent Tuesday, signals the Trump administration’s intent to introduce tougher screening procedures focused on applicants’ social media activity.

Effective immediately, U.S. consulates have been instructed not to add any new appointment slots for F, M, or J visa categories—used by academic students, vocational students, and cultural exchange participants—until further guidance is provided. Existing appointments will not be affected, according to the directive, first reported by Politico.

Rubio’s announcement is part of a broader strategy by the administration to tighten control over international students entering the United States, citing national security risks and rising concerns around antisemitism on university campuses.

“If you’re coming to the U.S. not to study but to join disruptive movements, we’re not giving you a visa,” Rubio said in March, referencing student-led protests and campus activism.

The timing of the policy is notable, coming just days after the Department of Homeland Security attempted to block Harvard University from admitting international students—a move halted by a federal judge last Friday. The administration is now also reportedly seeking to cancel nearly $100 million in federal contracts with the university. Former President Donald Trump has threatened to redirect federal grants from institutions seen as failing to curb anti-Israel sentiment on campus.

The suspension of student visa processing is expected to delay travel plans for thousands of prospective students, particularly ahead of the fall semester. Critics warn that the new policy could damage the United States’ global reputation as a destination for higher education and weaken its economic and intellectual competitiveness.

Foreign students contributed over $38 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, and many universities depend heavily on international enrolment for revenue and research talent.

The shift toward aggressive vetting has also drawn concern from civil liberties groups, who caution that screening social media accounts could introduce bias and chill free expression. The State Department and Department of Homeland Security have not yet offered clarification on the scope or implementation timeline for the enhanced vetting protocols.

Meanwhile, the arrest of Tufts University Ph.D. student Rümeysa Öztürk in March—cited by Rubio as justification for closer scrutiny—has sparked debate over the balance between immigration control and academic freedom. Öztürk was detained after contributing to an op-ed supporting Palestinian civilians. She has since been released on bail as she fights deportation proceedings.

While Rubio and his allies argue that the measures will prevent potential abuse of student visas for political activism, others, including Harvard Business School lecturer and investor Kevin O’Leary, suggest a more pragmatic approach.

“These students are brilliant,” O’Leary said in a recent Fox Business interview. “Vet them properly, and then let them stay, start companies, create jobs. That’s the American way.”

With further guidance expected in the coming days, students, universities, and immigration attorneys are watching closely for clarity on what lies ahead for international education in the United States.