The Trump administration has temporarily halted new student visa interview appointments worldwide, effective May 27, 2025.
The US State Department ordered all embassies and consulates to suspend scheduling new interviews for F, M, and J category visas, covering international students and exchange visitors.
The Trump administration’s suspension of new student visa interview appointments globally will primarily affect international students and exchange visitors from various countries,
particularly those seeking to study in the US under F, M, and J category visas.
Countries Most Affected by US Aid Cuts:
- Low-Income Countries:
- South Sudan: 36% of total aid comes from USAID, with a significant focus on emergency response
- Somalia: 40% of total aid comes from USAID, with a focus on emergency response
- Democratic Republic of Congo:
27% of total aid comes from USAID - Liberia: 23% of total aid comes from USAID, with a focus on basic health
- Afghanistan: 35% of total aid
comes from USAID
- Sudan: 29% of total aid comes from
USAID - Uganda: 21% of total aid comes from USAID, with a focus on population and reproductive health
- Ethiopia: 27% of total aid comes from USAID
- Lower-Middle Income Countries:
- Haiti: relies heavily on USAID for support, with a focus on humanitarian needs
- Lesotho: relies on USAID for support
- Zimbabwe: relies on USAID for support
- Kenya: relies on USAID for support
- Honduras: relies on USAID for support, with a focus on general government and civil society
- Angola: relies on USAID for support, with a focus on basic health
- Jordan: relies on USAID for support, with a focus on general government and civil society
• Eswatini: relies on USAID for support
Countries Affected by USAID Freeze:
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 50 countries have been affected by the recent freeze at USAID, including programs tackling HIV, polio, Mpox, and bird flu
- Other countries affected by the US aid freeze include CGDEV.ORG
NATIONWIDERADIOJM.COM : - Ukraine
- Kosovo
Potential Impact:
- The suspension may slow down student visa processing, potentially hurting universities that rely heavily on foreign students for financial support.
- The US aid freeze could lead to significant economic shocks in affected countries, with some facing potential cuts equivalent to over 3% of their GNI.
## Reason Behind the Suspension
The suspension is in preparation for expanded social media vetting, citing national security concerns and claims that some international students may be involved in antisemitic or disruptive activities on US campuses. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that students seeking visas for activism that disrupts campuses will not be granted visas.
## Impact on Students and Universities
This move may severely slow down student visa processing, potentially hurting universities that rely heavily on foreign students for financial support. Most student visas are issued between May and August, making this suspension particularly concerning for students planning to start their studies in the US soon.
## Reaction from the Education Sector
NAFSA CEO Fanta Aw criticized the move, stating that international students are already subject to extensive background checks. Aw urged the administration to reverse this course, emphasizing that it adds unnecessary delays and damages the US reputation as a welcoming destination for global talent.
## Key Details
– *Visa Categories Affected*:
F, M, and J category visas for international students and exchange visitors
– *Effective Date*:
May 27, 2025
– *Reason*:
Expanded social media vetting and national security concerns
– *Impact*:
Potential slowdown in student visa processing and financial implications for universities
## Conclusion and Future aspects
The suspension’s duration is uncertain, with further guidance expected from the State Department. The Trump administration’s appeal may prolong the uncertainty surrounding US student visa policies.
