The United States government has ordered all its embassies and consulates worldwide to pause the scheduling of new student visa appointments as it prepares to implement expanded social media screening for international students.
According to a memo seen by CBS News, US embassies have been directed to remove unfilled student visa appointments from their calendars.
However, already scheduled appointments will still go ahead.
The directive, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, states that the pause will remain in effect “until further guidance is issued” and forms part of a broader plan to tighten security measures around student and exchange visa programs.
The memo also confirms preparations for an “expansion of required social media screening and vetting” applicable to all student visa applicants.
It did not provide details on the criteria or content that would be assessed during the screening.
This development comes amid a wider crackdown on elite US universities by the Trump administration.
President Trump has accused several institutions of tolerating antisemitism and allowing pro-Palestinian protests to escalate on campuses.
In recent months, the administration has frozen billions of dollars in federal funding and moved to deport some students.
China has responded by urging the US to safeguard the rights of international students.
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“We urge the US side to earnestly protect the legitimate rights and interests of international students, including those from China,” a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.
US universities are expected to be significantly affected, as many rely on the higher tuition fees paid by international students to support academic programs and research.
Institutions like Harvard University have voiced concern over the impact of these policies on education and research collaborations.
The US State Department defended the policy, with spokesperson Tammy Bruce stating that the government is committed to strengthening the vetting process for visa applicants.
“We take very seriously the process of vetting who it is that comes into the country, and we’re going to continue to do that,” she said during a press briefing.
In April, the Department of Homeland Security announced that antisemitic activity on social media and harassment of Jewish individuals could be considered grounds for denying immigration benefits.
Several legal challenges to the administration’s actions are already underway, with federal judges temporarily blocking some policies, including the attempt to suspend Harvard’s ability to enroll foreign students.
The situation continues to evolve as universities and advocacy groups monitor the impact of the changes on academic institutions and international student mobility.