The U.S. government has temporarily paused new appointments for student visas, including F, M, and J categories, to expand social media screening amid heightened security concerns.
According to a May 27 cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, "Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued."
This move affects the growing international student population in the U.S., which reached an all-time high of
1.13 million during the 2023-2024 academic year, marking a
6.6 percent increase from the previous year, per the Open Doors report by the Institute of International Education and the U.S. State Department.
Asia accounts for
71.5 percent of these students, with India leading at
331,602 students, followed by China with
277,398. Indian students alone contribute approximately
$43.8 billion to the U.S. economy annually.
A U.S. official told The Associated Press the halt is temporary and does not affect students who have already scheduled visa interviews.
The pause has raised concerns internationally, with Japan's Education Minister urging universities to accommodate students caught in the disruption. Japanese institutions like the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University are exploring ways to support affected students.
International students play a vital role in the U.S. economy and innovation ecosystem. Over one million foreign students contributed nearly
$44 billion and supported more than
378,000 jobs in 2023-2024, according to NAFSA. Additionally, foreign-born professionals constitute
19% of all STEM workers and
43% of scientists and engineers with doctoral degrees in the U.S.
Ajay Bhutoria, former member of the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, called the pause "alarming," especially for Indian students aiming for Fall 2025 admissions.
The U.S. is reportedly using "every tool in our tool chest" to vet entrants, reflecting ongoing security priorities amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.
Quotes:"Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued." - Secretary of State Marco Rubio
"The U.S. State Department's decision to pause new student visa appointments to expand social media vetting was alarming, especially for Indian students aiming for Fall 2025 admissions." - Ajay Bhutoria
Stats:- 1.13 million international students enrolled in U.S. institutions in 2023-2024
- 6.6% increase in international student enrollment from previous year
- 71.5% of international students from Asia
- 331,602 Indian students enrolled in U.S. universities
- $43.8 billion contributed by Indian students to U.S. economy
- Nearly $44 billion contributed by all foreign students in 2023-2024
- 378,000 jobs supported by international students
- 19% of STEM workers and 43% of doctoral-level scientists and engineers are foreign-born
- 25% of U.S. billion-dollar startups founded by former international students
Sources: 
The U.S. has paused new student visa appointments to expand social media screening amid security concerns, affecting F, M, and J visa categories. Over 1.13 million international students enrolled in 2023-24, with India and China as top sources. The pause is temporary and excludes scheduled interviews.
