US Suspends Student Visa Interviews: What Indian students need to know

In a major move, the US State Department has temporarily halted the scheduling of new student visa interviews worldwide. This decision, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aims to strengthen national security through expanded social media vetting of visa applicants. The move comes as the US prepares to implement stricter screening procedures, which could impact thousands of Indian students planning to study in America.

Why the US Took This Step

India is one of the largest sources of international students in the US, with over 200,000 enrolled in American colleges and universities as of 2024. Last year, India sent over 268,000 students to the US, a number expected to grow further. The US government’s decision to suspend new visa interviews is part of a broader effort to prevent individuals with potential extremist links from entering the country. As Rubio stated, the new rules are designed to identify those who may support "terrorist activities" or engage in "anti-American" behaviour online.

Enhanced Social Media Screening

The new policy involves detailed reviews of applicants’ social media profiles. Consular officers will scrutinize online activity for any signs of support for terrorist groups or hostility towards US values. Screenshots of any “potentially derogatory” content will be preserved and stored in the case files, even if the posts are later deleted. This means applicants need to be cautious about their online presence, as evidence of extremist support or anti-US sentiments could lead to visa denial.

Implications for Indian Students

While current visa appointments will proceed as scheduled, no new interviews are being accepted until further notice. Students planning to start their studies in 2025 may face delays, affecting admission and visa processing timelines. The uncertainty may also impact students’ financial planning, including tuition fees and accommodation costs.

What Students Should Do

Students are advised to stay updated through official US embassy channels and their universities. They should prepare for possible delays, keep their social media profiles transparent, and have backup plans ready. As Rubio highlighted, “We’re not going to give you a visa if you support activities that threaten US security.”

This move reflects the US government’s intensified focus on security and monitoring online activities. Indian students and families are encouraged to stay informed and proactive during this period of change.