US resumes processing student visa applications after brief suspension; check new guidelines

United States: US State Department has resumed processing student visa applications after a brief suspension caused by the introduction of stricter screening procedures.

Under the updated guidelines, all applicants must now grant access to their public social media profiles for official review.

Visa interviews for F-1, M-1, and J-1 categories have restarted, with new appointments being scheduled globally. The temporary pause last month was attributed to the need for more rigorous vetting, especially focusing on applicants' online presence. In light of this, several overseas education consultancies have begun warning students to be extra cautious about their social media activity. This heightened level of scrutiny reflects the Trump administration’s broader agenda to tighten immigration regulations, with particular focus on international students.

Officers will evaluate social media posts:

On the announcement made on Wednesday, it is said that the Officers will evaluate posts and activity to flag any anti-US government sentiments or content critical of American people, institutions, culture, or founding principles.

“The increased social media vetting will ensure we are properly screening every single person trying to come to our country,” the department wrote in a statement.

"New applicants who refuse to set their social media accounts to 'public' and allow them to be reviewed may be rejected. It said a refusal to do so could be a sign they are trying to evade the requirement or hide their online activity," it added.

Rise in visa cancellations since April 2025

Since April, several top US universities have reported a sharp rise in visa cancellations, especially among Indian students. Once an F-1 visa is revoked, the student loses legal status in the US and becomes subject to deportation.

While some cancellations are reportedly linked to student participation in protests, others appear connected to online expressions of dissent, particularly criticism of the US government’s involvement in the ongoing war, now entering its 18th month

. According to the Associated Press, the level of scrutiny has intensified so much that even minor issues, like a speeding ticket, can lead to a visa review or revocation.