The Trump administration has instructed US embassies to stop scheduling new appointments for student visa applicants, according to a memo that was first discovered by Politico. In the document, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered embassies to suspend unbooked student visa interviews “until further guidance is issued.”
The message added that the move is part of preparations for intensified social media screening, which the State Department warned would carry “significant implications” for diplomatic posts handling these applications. However, students with existing appointments may still attend them.
The change comes amid ongoing tensions between President Trump and several prominent US universities, which he has accused of promoting left-wing ideologies, harbouring antisemitic sentiments and engaging in discriminatory admissions practices. These disputes have fuelled broader administrative efforts targeting the higher education sector.
Social media vetting of visa applicants was previously introduced during Trump’s first term, but this marks a potential expansion of that framework. The memo stated that the upcoming changes would apply to all student visa applicants. Currently, most international students must undergo in-person interviews at US embassies before receiving a visa to study in the country.
Defending the administration’s stance, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters today that the US remains committed to rigorous screening procedures. When asked whether students planning to study at US universities could expect their visas to be processed in time for the autumn term, Bruce emphasised that applicants should adhere to the standard procedures and be prepared for thorough scrutiny.
