How the Trump Administration’s Student Visa Pause Is Affecting International Applicants

On 27 May 2025, the US government announced that all embassies and consulates had been instructed to pause the scheduling of new student visa interviews. This directive, issued under President Trump’s administration, has left many international students uncertain about whether they will be able to begin their studies in the United States this autumn.

The pause forms part of a broader review of visa vetting procedures, particularly around social media activity and national security concerns. In this guide, we’ll look at what this means for international applicants, how US universities are responding, and what implications this may have for the UK university admissions landscape.

What Exactly Has Changed?

The US State Department memo, issued on 27 May, instructed embassies around the world to remove all unscheduled student visa appointments from their systems. This applies to both F-1 visas (for academic study) and J-1 visas (for exchange programmes).

Appointments that have already been scheduled will go ahead, but no new bookings are currently being accepted. The US government describes the suspension as temporary, but no date has been given for when it will be lifted.

This move coincides with plans to expand social media vetting for student visa applicants. While the US government has not specified what this vetting will involve, officials have pointed to national security and the prevention of antisemitic activity as priorities.

Why Has This Been Introduced?

This policy follows a wave of protests at US universities over the past few years, particularly pro-Palestinian demonstrations, which the Trump administration claims have at times crossed the line into antisemitism. In response, the administration has increased pressure on several institutions — most notably Harvard — to take action against student protestors and to provide evidence of compliance with federal requests.

Context for the Visa Interview Pause

This is not the first time international student policy has been used as a lever in these discussions. Earlier this year:

• Harvard University’s SEVP certification was revoked on 22^nd May, temporarily blocking it from enrolling international students. In response, Harvard said it would sue the administration.
• The federal government froze billions in funding for universities it said were not protecting Jewish students.
• Homeland Security officials announced that antisemitic activity on social media may be considered when assessing visa eligibility.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US would begin revoking visas of some Chinese students, particularly those in STEM fields or with a connection to the government of China, on national security grounds.

While framed as a national security measure, these actions have prompted criticism from academic institutions, civil liberties groups and international governments. These groups have called on the US to protect the rights of international students and freedom of speech on campus.

Administration Conflict with Harvard

Harvard has been the focal point of this conflict. In May 2025, its ability to host international students was suspended due to alleged non-compliance with government demands for documentation. Although a federal judge has since blocked this action temporarily, the university’s legal and operational status remains uncertain.

In 2024–25, international students made up over a quarter of Harvard’s student body. The risk of them being displaced or unable to begin their studies is therefore a significant concern — both for the university and for the students involved.

Harvard is now taking legal action against the administration, arguing that the move is unlawful and infringes on both academic freedom and student rights.

Are Other Universities at Risk?

Yes, but to varying degrees. While Harvard has faced the most immediate consequences, other Ivy League universities have also come under scrutiny, including Columbia, Cornell, Brown, and Princeton.

Some have responded by making changes to campus policies or disciplinary procedures. Columbia, for instance, had its federal funding reinstated after taking action against protestors. Others, like Cornell, are still in negotiations and remain at risk of further sanctions, including potential visa enrolment restrictions.

Dartmouth is one of the few Ivy League institutions not currently under investigation. Its administration has avoided open conflict with the federal government, declining to sign an open letter opposing its university policies, which may explain its lower profile in this debate.

What Does This Mean for Prospective International Students?

For now, students who already have visa appointments scheduled are unlikely to be affected. However, those hoping to book appointments in the coming weeks or months may face delays. This could impact their ability to arrive in the US in time for the autumn term — especially if embassies remain closed to new student visa interviews throughout the summer.

It is still unclear how long this pause will last or how the enhanced vetting process will be implemented. Students from certain countries, particularly China, may face further delays or additional scrutiny.

Some students currently studying in the US are also affected, particularly those involved in campus activism – some of whom have been deported from the US. While the number of students who have had visas revoked is proportionally small — estimated at around 300 out of an international student population of more than one million — it is nonetheless a cause of significant concern for some international students.

What Alternatives Are Students Considering?

Uncertainty around US admissions has led some international students to explore other destinations for their higher education — notably the UK, Canada, and Australia.

The UK, in particular, may see a notable increase in applications to top universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. These institutions already attract high numbers of international applicants, and the current US situation may further increase demand.

At Oxbridge, international applications made up around 30% of total applications. However, acceptance rates for international applicants are extremely low (c. 2-3%), particularly for non-EU students.

UK universities, which charge higher tuition fees for international students, may also view this shift as an opportunity to expand their international student base — especially at a time when they are looking to offset financial pressures caused by other policy changes, such as a reduction in EU applicants since Brexit and below-inflation tuition fee increases for domestic students.

What Should Students and Families Do Now?

For students applying to US universities:

• If you already have a visa appointment scheduled, this will not be cancelled and will go ahead as planned.
• Check with your local US embassy for updates on visa scheduling.
• Speak to the international office at your chosen university to understand their contingency plans.
• If you do not have a visa appointment scheduled, prepare all your documents early, in case visa appointments resume at short notice.
• Be aware that additional screening may be introduced, including questions around online activity or your political affiliations.

For those considering alternatives:

• Check the application deadlines for UK, Canadian or Australian universities. For instance, the Oxbridge deadline for 2025 entry was October 2024, but other universities may still be accepting applicants for this autumn.
• Research visa processing times and start early, as demand may increase.
• Check the admissions requirements for any universities under consideration as these will differ from the US system.
• Our guides to Oxbridge and other UK university application processes may be a good starting point.

How Dukes Plus Can Support Your Application

If you’re rethinking your university plans or considering alternatives to studying in the US, Dukes Plus is here to help. We’ve been supporting students with university admissions since 1999.

Every year we help hundreds of applicants gain places in the UK (including Oxbridge and Russell Group universities), Canada, and Australia. Our university admissions consultants can guide you through every stage of the application process — from personal statement writing to interview coaching and test preparation.

To discuss your situation and learn more about how we can support you, book a free consultation with our friendly team.

Final Thoughts

The pause on US student visa interviews has introduced significant uncertainty for many students planning to study in the US this year. While the long-term implications remain unclear, it’s important to stay informed, flexible, and proactive in your planning.

We will continue to monitor this developing situation and update our resources accordingly.