The United States State Department has ordered a temporary suspension of new student visa interview appointments globally as it prepares to implement a more stringent vetting process focused on applicants’ social media activity.
The directive, issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and reported by CBS News, is part of what officials are calling an “expanded vetting” initiative aimed at tightening security measures around foreign student admissions.
According to the State Department, this pause affects only new visa interview appointments, not those already scheduled. However, the development has created widespread uncertainty and anxiety among international students hoping to start academic programs in the United States this fall.
During a recent appearance on Naija FM, Rubio emphasized that applicants should expect their social media accounts to be subject to deeper scrutiny. This includes content on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). Though students have been required to submit their social media handles in recent years, the new policy suggests a more robust and possibly manual review process, which could significantly burden US embassies and consulates worldwide.
“Even though it’s a friendly process, the nature of global security means we have to be vigilant,” a State Department spokesperson said. “We take very seriously who we allow to enter the country, especially those who will be part of our educational institutions.”
Embassy officials have raised concerns about the labor-intensive nature of social media reviews and questioned whether sufficient resources will be allocated in time to manage the added workload. The timeline for issuing new guidance remains unclear, raising concerns for thousands of international students who have already received admission offers but have yet to schedule their visa interviews.
CBS White House correspondent Olivia Rinaldi added that while existing visa appointments will proceed, students without one may be unable to meet university enrollment deadlines. “There could be a scenario where students have accepted offers but are unable to travel because they couldn’t schedule an interview in time,” she explained.
The announcement comes as part of a broader shift in US immigration policy. In a separate statement, Rubio revealed a new visa restriction policy targeting foreign officials allegedly involved in censoring Americans. While details remain sparse, the measure aligns with recent efforts by the administration to tighten oversight on both domestic speech issues and international entry protocols.
The pause, combined with political tensions surrounding campus protests and online expression, has fueled speculation that students espousing certain views—particularly those related to pro-Palestinian activism—could face enhanced scrutiny.
As fall semester deadlines loom, universities, students, and immigration attorneys alike are calling for clarity and urgency in finalizing and communicating the new procedures. The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking for thousands of aspiring international scholars.
