Overview 

In a surprising and concerning move, the United States has reportedly paused scheduling of student visa interviews across all U.S. consulates and embassies worldwide, triggering widespread uncertainty among international students and academic institutions alike. 

This development, which is now being actively reported by all news media globally, is understood to be in preparation for a broader review of vetting and security measures, including the integration of social media screening protocols for visa applicants. While the U.S. Department of State has not issued a formal public statement detailing the extent or timeline of the pause, the effects are already being felt in countries such as India, which sends the second-largest cohort of international students to the U.S. annually.  

Immediate Implications for Students and Families 

As of this writing, no interview slots are available for student visa applicants at any U.S. consular post in India. This sudden pause in visa processing could have a significant ripple effect, particularly for those planning to travel to the U.S. for the Fall 2025 academic intake. 

What to Expect Going Forward 

Student visa appointments were always given priority even during COVID. Since for the Fall 2025 intake, most classes begin between Aug-Sep, we hope the system will be in place much before that and that students are given priority in the coming months. If this happens, we may notice a decline in the availability of appointments for the other categories of visas.  

We recommend the following: 

Monitor Official Updates 
Stay informed through the U.S. Department of State and U.S. embassy websites. Avoid relying solely on social media or hearsay. 

Coordinate with Universities 
Maintain active communication with your designated school officials (DSOs) in the U.S. regarding SEVIS status and flexibility on start dates. 

Avoid Unofficial Sources 
Be wary of third-party agents offering to bypass visa wait times or suggesting shortcuts. The U.S. immigration system does not allow backdoor processing, and such actions may permanently impact eligibility. 

 
Conclusion 

We understand how critical this phase is for students and their families — not only as an educational milestone but also as a life-changing investment.  

We at Murthy Immigration will continue to actively monitor and bring up-to-date information on this situation.