US Suspends New Student Visa Appointments Amid Expanded Screening

The Trump administration has ordered U.S. diplomatic missions worldwide to halt scheduling new student and exchange visitor visa appointments as the State Department prepares to expand social media vetting of foreign applicants. Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed consular sections to pause scheduling for F, M, and J visa categories while reviewing current screening processes, with new guidance on social media vetting expected soon. This expanded vetting will scrutinize applicants' online activity across platforms such as Instagram, X, and TikTok for content deemed a national security threat, including support for Palestinians or criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, which the administration views as a security concern. Already scheduled appointments can proceed under existing guidelines, but unfilled slots are to be withdrawn. The administration has increased visa revocations and deportations as part of its hardline immigration agenda, aiming to prevent individuals it considers security risks from entering the U.S. State Department officials have emphasized the use of "every tool" to assess who is allowed entry, signaling a significant escalation in visa applicant screening. The expanded vetting will require adjustments in consular operations and resources globally.