The United States has paused scheduling new student visa interviews at embassies worldwide, according to TOI, though existing appointments will proceed as scheduled.

The Trump administration plans to tighten social media screening for foreign students, raising concerns among international applicants about their U.S. prospects.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued the directive via a diplomatic cable on Tuesday.

“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,” Rubio wrote.

According to the cable, more specific guidelines will be released shortly.

This latest action reflects the administration’s efforts to tighten entry requirements for international students, citing national security risks and growing concerns over campus disturbances.

The State Department and DHS have yet to issue statements on the matter.

This abrupt policy shift follows earlier warnings from Senator Rubio, who in March accused some foreign students of using their visas not for education, but to participate in protests—foreshadowing the current crackdown.

Citing the case of Tufts University doctoral student Rümeysa Öztürk, who was arrested and later released on bail after writing an op-ed in support of Gazans, Rubio said, “If you apply for a visa to enter the United States and be a student, and you tell us that the reason you are coming to the United States is not just because you want to write op-eds, but because you want to participate in movements that are involved in doing things like vandalizing universities, harassing students, taking over buildings, creating a ruckus—we’re not going to give you a visa.”

The freeze also follows closely on the heels of a separate controversy involving Harvard University. Just days earlier, the Department of Homeland Security attempted to prevent the institution from enrolling international students—a move ultimately halted by a federal judge.

The administration has further escalated tensions by threatening to withdraw all federal contracts with Harvard, reportedly valued at nearly $100 million.

President Trump has also signaled plans to redirect billions in federal grant funding away from the university.