US student visa pause worries Indian applicants

The United States has temporarily halted all new appointments for student and exchange visitor visas worldwide, a move that has raised alarm among thousands of Indian students preparing to begin their academic journeys in American institutions this fall.

The pause, effective from May 27, 2025, was issued by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, directing American embassies and consulates globally to stop scheduling interviews for F, M, and J visa categories. The decision comes amid the U.S. government’s efforts to expand social media screening for international students, requiring applicants to submit social media history dating back to 2019.

India Most Affected

India, which recently overtook China as the largest source of international students in the U.S., is among the most impacted. In 2023 alone, more than 130,000 Indian students received U.S. visas to pursue higher education. Many of these students are now facing uncertainty, as they await interviews that may not be scheduled in time for the academic year starting in August or September.

The disruption has prompted some students and their families to reassess plans and consider alternative destinations, such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and parts of Europe, where visa processes remain comparatively stable.

Broader Policy Context

The visa pause is viewed by many as part of a broader tightening of U.S. immigration policies under the Rubio-led State Department. Recently, the administration came under scrutiny for attempting to revoke Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students, citing concerns over anti-Israel sentiments on campus. Although that move was blocked by a federal judge, it highlights growing political sensitivity around international education in the U.S.

Economic and Academic Impact

International students contributed an estimated $43.8 billion to the U.S. economy in 2024. Education experts warn that continued disruptions or a prolonged pause in visa processing could significantly harm U.S. universities that depend on tuition from foreign students.

“Delays in student visa processing can lead to missed enrollment deadlines, loss of tuition revenue, and erosion of the U.S.’s reputation as a top destination for global education,” said an international education consultant based in Mumbai.

Next Steps for Students

Students are advised to monitor updates from the U.S. Department of State and their respective universities. In the meantime, many education counselors are encouraging students to prepare for enhanced scrutiny and consider backup plans involving other countries with student-friendly visa policies.

The U.S. State Department has not yet announced a date for resuming new visa appointments.