U.S. Temporarily Halts Student Visa Interviews Worldwide

On May 27, 2025, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a temporary suspension of in-person interviews for student visas (categories F, M, and J) at all U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. This decision is related to preparations for the introduction of expanded social media screening for all foreign applicants.

According to an internal State Department notice, consular sections are instructed to pause the scheduling of new interviews for students and exchange program participants until further guidance is issued. The document also states that a more thorough review of applicants’ social media activity is planned.