Preparations for International Students Pursuing Studies in the US This Year

International students are encountering heightened uncertainty regarding their U.S. study plans owing to a suspension of visa appointments, prompting experts to provide advice on navigating the changing immigration landscape.

Last month, the Trump administration halted the scheduling of new visa interviews for international students while planning to enhance the scrutiny of their social media activities. The decision was made just as numerous overseas students were readying for the autumn session.

On Wednesday, the U.S. State Department announced the resumption of student visa processing, albeit under new circumstances. As reported by AFP, all applicants must now render their social media accounts publicly accessible for governmental scrutiny. Consular officers will evaluate if any posts exhibit hostility towards the United States, its government, institutions, or foundational ideals.

A departmental notification indicated that candidates who decline to make their accounts public may face visa denial, as this reluctance could be perceived as an effort to obscure troubling content. William Cooper, Marketing Director at the insurance firm William Russell, cautioned that visa processing continues to be erratic, as reported by Financial Express.

He recommended that students consistently monitor embassy communications and appointment schedules; inform universities and lenders of any visa-related delays; obtain late-arrival letters from schools to assist with travel and enrollment matters; maintain comprehensive records of interactions with schools and embassies; recognize that social media profiles may be subject to scrutiny and seek guidance if uncertain about potential red flags.

Cooper stated, "It is imperative to maintain a comprehensive record of all communications, particularly those with your educational institution and the embassy, to mitigate any potential delays that may impact your commencement date or immigration status."

Sripal Jain, Co-Founder of Simandhar Education, emphasized the significance of early planning. "International students must adopt a more strategic and vigilant approach, as the landscape is evolving swiftly," he said Financial Express.

He advised students to initiate the application and visa process promptly; monitor updates from official embassy sources diligently; select SEVP-certified institutions, which are accredited by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP); ensure financial flexibility to accommodate potential delays; and construct a robust application that emphasizes academic objectives and adaptability.

Manisha Zaveri, Joint Managing Director of Career Mosaic, underscored adherence to visa restrictions.

She encouraged students to be aware about policy modifications, sustain full-time attendance, refrain from unauthorized employment, and keep constant communication with academic advisors and legal professionals.

The Trump administration previously annulled F-1 visas and terminated SEVIS records; however, several measures were subsequently reversed due to judicial intervention. Nonetheless, overseas students persist in encountering uncertainty owing to irregular visa interview availability and restrictions imposed by many universities, including Harvard.

Earlier last month, President Trump issued a proclamation temporarily suspending visas for newly admitted overseas students at Harvard. The action, however promptly halted by a judge, signifies a wider constriction of immigration policy. The White House announced a new travel ban and visa restrictions for nationals from 19 nations, effective June 9.

Continual legal conflicts between U.S. institutions and federal agencies have contributed to the uncertainty.

The United States continues to be a premier destination for international students. The Institute of International Education reports that over 1.1 million international students from 200 nations and territories were enrolled in U.S. schools during the 2023–2024 academic year, representing 5.9% of total enrollment, the highest recorded figure. India and China constituted 54% of the student population, whilst Vietnam ranked sixth with 22,066 students.