The Trump administration has asked U.S. embassies and consulates to stop scheduling new visa appointments for foreign students and exchange visitors.
Social Media Vetting Triggers the Hold
This order comes as the State Department prepares to expand social media checks for these visa applicants. According to an internal message seen by Reuters, officials are reviewing how to handle social media screening.
New Guidelines Are Expected Soon
As a result, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has advised consular offices to wait. He stated, “The department will issue new rules on social media vetting once a review is finished.”
Until then, embassies and consulates have been told to pause all appointments for student and exchange visitor visas.
