State Department Instructs US Embassies to Pause Student Visa Interviews

The temporary halt is part of the department’s effort to enhance the social media screening and vetting process of foreign students.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio testifies before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 20, 2025. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

WASHINGTON—The U.S. State Department ordered American embassies worldwide to pause student visa interviews effective May 27, a senior department official confirmed to The Epoch Times.

The temporary suspension, outlined in an internal cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is part of the department’s effort to strengthen the vetting process, particularly in relation to social media screening.