The Trump administration has paused all new interviews for student and exchange visitor visas as it prepares to expand social media screening for international applicants. The move, confirmed through an internal State Department cable, could significantly delay the arrival of foreign students planning to study in the United States.

Signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the directive was sent to all U.S. embassies and consulates around the world. It instructs consular offices to stop adding new appointments for student and exchange visas “effective immediately,” citing the need to prepare for enhanced vetting measures.

This is the latest in a series of policy changes under the Trump administration that critics say are targeting international students and weakening U.S. higher education. Recently, the administration cut funding to top universities like Harvard and revoked thousands of student visas nationwide.

According to the memo, consular offices are being told to prioritize services for U.S. citizens, immigrant visas, and fraud prevention, signaling that international students may face long delays or even missed opportunities to begin studies in the U.S.

The memo also warns that the new process could “significantly impact” the workload and resources of visa offices. However, it remains unclear how the U.S. plans to conduct expanded social media checks or what criteria will be used to evaluate online content.

Student advocacy groups have expressed concern over the decision. “International students are not a threat,” said Fanta Aw, CEO of the Association of International Educators. “Today’s decision will significantly impact students’ ability to start school in the U.S., and many may now choose to study elsewhere.”

Some universities have already advised students against traveling internationally this summer, fearing they may be unable to re-enter the country. The broader impact could include financial losses for institutions that rely heavily on tuition from foreign students.

While the State Department says it will provide more guidance soon, for now, many international students are left in limbo, unsure if they will be allowed to begin or continue their education in the U.S.