The Trump administration has directed U.S. embassies and consulates to stop scheduling new visa appointments for foreign students and exchange visitors. Reuters confirmed this through an internal message.

Social Media Checks to Be Expanded

According to the message, the State Department plans to increase social media screening for these visa applicants. Therefore, officials have paused new appointments.

Review Still Underway

Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained that the department is still reviewing the process. Once the review is complete, they will issue new rules. In the meantime, he advised consular offices, “Pause scheduling these visa appointments until then.”

Stricter Screening Measures Ahead

As a result, no new student or exchange visitor visa interviews will be scheduled for now. The move signals a shift toward tighter vetting procedures.

Until the updated rules are ready, the visa process for these categories will remain on hold.