US halts new student visa interviews amid expanded social media checks, impacting Indian aspirants

US freezes F-1, M, J visa interviews

In a recent move, the Trump administration has instructed US embassies globally to stop scheduling new interviews for student visa categories, including F, M, and J visas. This decision is linked to an expanded effort to scrutinize applicants’ social media activity as part of heightened national security checks.

The US State Department has issued guidance to its consular offices, instructing them to refrain from accepting new student or exchange visitor visa appointments until further notice. Interviews already scheduled may proceed, but no new bookings are allowed. This policy change is expected to delay visa processing significantly and primarily affects Indian students, who represent the largest international student demographic in the US.

Increased social media vetting

As part of the revised vetting measures, US consular officers are now required to examine social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X for posts, likes, comments, and shares. Any content that appears to be a security concern may result in visa denial. Officers are also capturing screenshots of controversial content, even if it has been deleted, especially for posts made after March 2025. The policy reportedly focuses on individuals who participated in or supported pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

Direct impact on Indian students

Indian students are disproportionately affected by this development. With many targeting the Fall 2025 academic intake in the US, this halt introduces major uncertainty. Online forums have seen a surge in concern, with users highlighting the “huge consequences” for those who had already begun their application process.

The United States has long been a preferred study destination for Indian students, thanks to its prestigious universities and strong career prospects, especially in STEM fields. However, this new directive adds another layer of difficulty to an already complex process. In 2024, nearly 20,000 student visa slots went unused by Indian applicants during peak months, potentially due to growing apprehension over such policy changes.

Statistics on Indian students in the US

According to 2024 data, 331,602 Indian students were enrolled in US institutions for the 2023–24 academic year. This accounts for 29.4% of the 1.12 million international students in the country, making India the top source of foreign students. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted that 337,630 Indian students were studying in the US in 2023, out of a total 892,989 studying abroad.

Student visa trends and declines

The US Embassy in India issued 86,110 F-1 visas to Indian students from January to September 2024 — a significant drop from 130,730 during the same period in 2023. This 38% decrease follows a record 140,000 student visas granted in 2023, surpassing totals from 2018, 2019, and 2020 combined. The decline is being attributed to tighter screening, prolonged processing times, and increased interest in other countries like Canada, the UK, and Germany.

Despite these challenges, a majority of Indian students — nearly 69%, based on surveys — still consider the US their top destination due to academic advantages and post-study work opportunities.

Rising concerns and revocations

Compounding the problem, many Indian students are facing visa revocations. In early 2025 alone, 327 student visas were revoked, with about half involving Indian nationals. These revocations were often related to minor issues or alleged participation in protests, causing anxiety among current and prospective students.

While the US Mission had worked in 2024 to reduce F-1 visa wait times in India to 42 days in Delhi and 66 days in Mumbai, the new suspension threatens to reverse this progress. The addition of 250,000 new visa appointments in 2024 had temporarily improved the situation.

Economic and academic repercussions

International students contribute roughly $43.8 billion annually to the US economy, with Indian students accounting for approximately $8 billion in 2019 alone. Any disruption in the visa issuance process could financially impact US educational institutions that depend on international tuition fees.

Due to rising uncertainty, many students are now exploring countries with more accessible visa systems. Popular alternatives include Canada, the UK, Germany, and New Zealand. Nonetheless, the US remains attractive due to its well-developed STEM programs and the Optional Practical Training (OPT) policy, allowing extended work opportunities post-graduation.

Response from the Indian government

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs is monitoring the situation closely. Officials have confirmed ongoing support for affected students, assisting the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) and the MADAD grievance redressal portal.

The Indian government has also been in dialogue with its US counterparts about the issue of student deportations. In early 2025, 388 Indians, including 153 from Punjab, were sent back from the US, prompting the MEA to seek improved accommodations for deported students.

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.

The post US halts new student visa interviews amid expanded social media checks, impacting Indian aspirants appeared first on PGurus.