Stay calm, check your social media: What to do as US halts student visa interviews

By Binh Minh May 28, 2025 | 07:15 pm PT

Students at Yale University campus in the U.S. Photo courtesy of Yale University

International students preparing to study in the U.S. are being advised to stay calm, attend scheduled visa interviews, and review their social media activity as the U.S. temporarily halts new student visa appointments.

Reports from Politico, The Guardian, NBC News and Reuters on May 28 said the U.S. Department of State instructed embassies and consulates to pause scheduling visa interviews for prospective international students. Further details are anticipated in the coming days.

News of the suspension quickly spread across online forums, causing anxiety among students preparing for studies abroad. However, education counselors emphasize the temporary nature of the measure and advise students not to panic.

"This policy is temporary," said Ta Viet Tu, director of Inception, a study abroad counseling center.

Highlighting the significant contributions of over one million international students, amounting to $43.8 billion to the U.S. economy and supporting 378,000 jobs in the 2023-2024 academic year, according to NAFSA, Tu noted that any extended suspension could significantly impact U.S. education.

Students receiving their university acceptance documents (I20 forms) for 2024 should remain patient. Those without scheduled visa interviews should wait for further instructions expected soon.

Phoebe Tran, director of Crimson Education Vietnam, a consultancy focusing on U.S. and U.K. study, reassured students with confirmed interviews to proceed as planned. "Universities are actively working with authorities to protect international students' rights," she said.

Students already in the U.S. are advised to carefully check visa expiration dates if planning trips home. "If possible, remain in the U.S.," recommended Brett Wertz, CEO of education advisory organization Fourdozen.

For students unable to stay stateside, preparation is critical. "Complete documents like the DS-160 form early, and have family in Vietnam assist with paying interview fees," advised Nguyen Ngoc Khuong, an independent advisor based in Minnesota.

Experts also cautioned students about social media content.

Posts and interactions involving sensitive topics could negatively influence visa applications, they said.

Students are urged to monitor official announcements closely from the Department of State and local embassies, maintain communication with their universities' international offices, and prepare contingency plans such as online classes or delayed enrollment if necessary.