United States – The U.S. Department of State has issued a temporary pause on scheduling new interviews for foreign student visa applicants, citing upcoming changes related to social media screening procedures. The directive is expected to last only a few days.

• A cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructed U.S. embassies and consulates to halt adding any new appointment slots for F (academic students), M (vocational students), and J (exchange visitors) visa categories.

• The pause is described as a short-term measure while the administration prepares to implement enhanced social media vetting protocols.

• The guidance anticipates that further instructions will be issued in the coming days, suggesting that visa interview scheduling will resume shortly.

“Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued septel, which we anticipate in the coming days,” reads the cable. (“Septel” is short for “separate telegram.”)

As an example, the US Embassy spokesperson in India shared with media that “Visa Applicants May Continue to Submit Applications“.

Source: US Department of State