The United States government has temporarily suspended the scheduling of new student visa interviews worldwide as it prepares to implement stricter vetting procedures, including scrutiny of applicants’ social media profiles.
According to a report by Politico, the directive was issued in a diplomatic cable sent on Tuesday by US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to American embassies and consulates globally.
The move affects student visa categories such as the F-1 visa, widely used by international students, including thousands of Nigerians studying in the United States. While interviews that have already been scheduled will proceed as planned, no new interview appointments will be made until further notice.
Rubio indicated that additional guidance on the proposed social media screening is expected in the coming days.
The temporary halt is part of broader efforts by the US government to tighten oversight of foreign students, following claims that their presence on campuses may be contributing to a rise in antisemitic sentiments.
This development comes as the Trump administration intensifies pressure on US universities to revise race-conscious admissions policies. Last week, the government revoked Harvard University’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, effectively barring the institution from enrolling international students.
The Department of Homeland Security cited Harvard’s alleged refusal to provide behavioural records of student visa holders as the reason behind the decision. The university also saw $2.3 billion in federal funding frozen.
In recent weeks, the administration has revoked the visas of hundreds of international students as part of its new enforcement measures.
