U.S. Suspends Student Visa Interviews Amid Plans for Stricter Social Media Screening
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has directed American embassies around the world to temporarily halt new student visa interview appointments. This move is seen as part of the Biden administration’s plan to increase scrutiny of international student applicants, particularly focusing on their social media activity.
In a diplomatic cable sent on Tuesday, Rubio instructed consular offices to pause scheduling new appointments for F, M, and J visa categories—commonly used by international students and exchange visitors—until further notice. The cable noted that appointments already scheduled may still proceed. Politico was the first to report the development.
Rubio indicated that more detailed instructions regarding expanded social media vetting would be issued soon. The pause aligns with broader national security concerns, with the administration suggesting that some international students could pose risks or promote antisemitic ideologies.
This directive follows recent incidents, including the arrest of Tufts University PhD student Rümeysa Öztürk, who was detained after co-authoring an op-ed supporting Gaza. She has since been released on bail while facing potential deportation.
Additionally, the decision comes shortly after the Department of Homeland Security moved to prevent Harvard University from enrolling new international students.
As of now, both the State Department and DHS have not issued official comments on the matter.
StormEduGo Guidance on Recent U.S. Student Visa Update
Dear Students & Parents,
As per the recent news, the U.S. government has temporarily paused new student visa (F, M, J) interview appointments in preparation for enhanced social media background checks. However, there is no need to panic—this policy is not new and has been in place since 2019.
Important Points to Note:
o. When you fill out the DS-160 form (required for F, M, and J visas), you are already asked to provide your social media usernames (Instagram, Facebook, etc.).
o. Students must ensure that their social media activity is clean and legal. Any content related to illegal actions, hate speech, or extremist views may lead to visa complications.
o. The U.S. government’s focus is mainly on national security—particularly students coming from conflict zones or sensitive regions.
o. These measures are not meant to target regular international students but to ensure global safety.
Our Experience at StormEduGo:
With years of experience guiding thousands of students to the U.S., StormEduGo is well-prepared to help you navigate such policy changes. We stay updated with every change in U.S. visa and immigration policy and will continue to support you in every step of your admission and visa journey.
If you have any questions or concerns about your DS-160 form or social media information, please feel free to contact us. We are here to help!
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