WASHINGTON, May 30 (Alliance News): The United States government has confirmed that the current suspension of student visa appointments is temporary.
The State Department reassured international students that visa processing is expected to resume soon, even as new guidelines for social media checks on applicants are being finalized.
State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce urged prospective students to continue seeking visa appointments, saying the pause would likely be brief.
“I would not be recommending that if this was going to be weeks or months,” she told reporters. Bruce advised applicants to frequently check online for new appointment availability.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered embassies and consulates to halt scheduling student visa interviews until the new social media screening policies are implemented.
This move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to tighten visa scrutiny, which has included visa cancellations and restrictions particularly affecting Chinese nationals and students critical of US foreign policy.
Rubio has revoked visas for some students who protested against Israel’s actions in Gaza, citing a law that allows visa cancellation for those acting against US interests.
In a directive to diplomatic missions, Rubio announced that detailed social media guidelines would be issued soon.
Despite the pause, the State Department encourages international students to remain patient and vigilant in checking for available visa appointments as the new policies take shape.
