In a move that has sent ripples through the global education landscape, the Trump administration announced on Tuesday, May 27, that no new student visa interviews will be scheduled at US embassies worldwide. This sudden policy change is part of a broader strategy to restrict the number of international students entering the United States and has been confirmed through a diplomatic cable issued by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Alongside the freeze on visa interviews, the administration also revealed plans to intensify social media vetting for foreign students, adding another layer of scrutiny for applicants.
The directive explicitly states that all consular offices across the globe must immediately stop booking new appointments for student and exchange visitor visas under the F, M, and J categories. However, previously confirmed appointments will still be honoured. The timing of this decision is particularly concerning for students aiming for the Fall 2025 intake, many of whom are already well into their application processes. The uncertainty around visa availability could derail plans for thousands of aspiring students, causing a major shift in educational ambitions.
According to career counsellor Jitin Chawla, the ramifications could be significant. He estimates that there could be a 25 percent reduction in the number of Indian students heading to the United States by the end of this year alone. Speaking on the growing concern among students and families, he said that the abrupt nature of the policy has left many applicants confused and anxious. “These restrictions could significantly impact the plans of thousands of aspirants, especially those targeting the Fall 2025 intake,” Chawla remarked, highlighting the scale of disruption the directive may cause.
Adding to this sentiment, Chawla explained that the student community is currently split into three groups: those who have already secured appointments and are waiting, those stuck in the system waiting for interview dates to open up, and those who haven’t applied yet but were planning to. It is this third category that now finds itself in the most vulnerable position, facing an uncertain path forward. The ripple effect of this visa freeze is also being felt in India’s broader education sector, which has long considered the US a prime destination for higher studies.
As students and their families grapple with the implications, many are now exploring alternatives in countries that are seen as more welcoming. Chawla noted a visible shift in interest toward European nations, particularly the Netherlands and Finland, as well as Japan and Australia. He added that while the United States has historically attracted the highest number of Indian student visa applications, the recent developments could lead to a decline of up to 25 percent in those figures.
The added complication of increased social media vetting has only fueled anxiety. Students are worried that even minor online activity could be misconstrued, potentially jeopardising their visa status. According to Chawla, some students fear that any deviation from strict academic schedules, such as missing classes, could also lead to visa revocation. This heightened sense of caution is making both students and parents rethink the viability of studying in the US.
Currently, more than 200,000 Indian students are pursuing higher education in the United States, a figure that now seems precarious. The combination of halted visa processing and new vetting procedures may well trigger a substantial drop in that number. While no official data has yet been released on the extent of the fallout, experts predict that Indian students will increasingly turn to nations with stable and transparent visa systems.
While the United States has long been a beacon for international students, particularly from India, recent policy shifts are shaking that foundation. The freeze on new student visa interviews, combined with stricter social media checks, is prompting many students to look elsewhere. With options like the Netherlands, Finland, Japan, and Australia gaining traction, India’s student diaspora may soon witness a significant geographical redistribution. Until there is more clarity and consistency in US immigration policy, aspiring students and their families are likely to adopt a wait-and-watch approach or pivot to destinations offering more assurance.
