Additional Coverage:
Student Visa Applications Paused as US Expands Social Media Vetting
The US State Department has temporarily halted new student visa appointments worldwide as it implements expanded social media screening for all student visa applicants. This move, directed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio via a diplomatic cable, follows recent efforts by the Trump administration to revoke student visas and restrict foreign student enrollment at US universities.
The cable, issued Tuesday, indicates a comprehensive review of existing vetting procedures for student and exchange visitor visa applicants. The State Department intends to issue new guidance on expanded social media vetting, although details of this expansion remain unclear. While social media identifiers have been required on visa applications since 2019, and additional scrutiny has been applied in some cases, this represents a significant broadening of the practice.
This expansion is expected to impact consular operations and resources, leading to the pause on new appointments. Consular sections have been instructed to prioritize existing appointments and essential services, such as those for US citizens and immigrant visas.
While scheduled appointments will proceed, no new appointments will be booked until further notice. This could create a significant backlog, particularly as the typical peak season for student visa applications is underway.
Immigration lawyers express concern about the potential impact on university enrollment for the fall semester. The timing of this pause coincides with the period when students typically apply for visas to begin studies in August. While students can apply up to a year in advance, the university enrollment process often prevents them from doing so until late spring or early summer.
The potential repercussions are substantial, considering that over 1.1 million international students studied at US higher education institutions in the 2023-2024 academic year. Many universities rely heavily on tuition revenue from these students.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce declined to confirm the cable but emphasized the department’s commitment to utilizing all available tools for vetting individuals entering the country. A senior State Department official, however, confirmed the cable’s authenticity. Another spokesperson described visa appointment scheduling as dynamic and dependent on various factors, including legal compliance and security assessments.