US Halts Student Visa Appointments, Causing Global Uncertainty Among Students

Students from many countries are feeling anxious. The Trump administration has paused student visa interviews. This means students can't make visa appointments for now.

A memo from the US State Department says they plan to check social media more closely for people applying for student and exchange visas.

This is part of a bigger plan by President Trump. He believes top US universities are too liberal. He is now targeting schools like Harvard.

The changes have made students feel unsure. US embassies have stopped visa appointments. Some students may lose their scholarships if they can’t get visas on time.

Some students told the BBC they wish they had picked schools in other countries.
“I already regret it,” said a 22-year-old student from Shanghai. They are starting a master’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania. They didn’t want to give their name because they fear losing their visa.

Even though their visa was approved, they still feel uneasy.
“I could be sent back to China before I finish my degree. That’s scary,” they said.

The Government’s Response

Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the State Department, spoke to reporters.
“We take vetting seriously,” she said. “We want to know who comes into the country.”

President Trump also tried to stop Harvard from taking international students. He says Harvard is not doing enough to stop antisemitism. Harvard is fighting this in court. A judge has blocked the ban for now. A hearing is set for May 29.

Impact on Students

One student from Guangzhou helps others apply to US schools. They said it is hard to give advice now.
“The rules keep changing,” they said. “Fewer students will want to study in the US.”

More than 1.1 million foreign students studied in the US in 2023-24. Many US schools rely on these students, who pay higher fees.

Personal Stories

Ainul Hussein, 24, is from India. He was happy to start a master’s program in New Jersey. He got the I-20 form, which lets him apply for a visa.

But now, visa delays are making him worry. He can’t get an appointment at the US consulate.
“I might have to book a flight without knowing my visa status,” he said. “If I wait, I could lose my scholarship.”

In the UK, Oliver Cropley, 27, also feels stuck. He was supposed to study in Kansas. But he has no visa, even after paying £300 for the process.
“It’s a huge letdown,” he said.

Without the visa, he may lose his scholarship and fall behind in school.

Alfred Williamson, from Wales, was happy to return to Harvard after his first year. But now, he hasn’t heard anything about his visa.
“It feels dehumanising,” he said. “We’re just pawns in a fight between the White House and Harvard.”