Overview

• The State Department has paused scheduling of F, M and J visa interviews at US embassies, delaying application timelines for new international students.
• The Trump administration’s proposal to require social media screening for all foreign student applicants is heightening uncertainty over visa approvals.
• Indian applicants report growing stress over potential rejections and are exploring study options in Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, the Netherlands, France, Russia and South Korea.
• Universities including Harvard have sued to block government moves targeting their ability to enroll international students; judges have issued injunctions preventing those actions.
• Education consultants warn students to prepare for deferred 2026 intakes or alternate plans abroad if the interview pause and vetting measures continue.