US suspends new student visa interviews globally, gives reason

In a significant move impacting Nigerian students and other international applicants, the United States has suspended the scheduling of all new student visa interviews worldwide.

The temporary suspension stems from a new directive issued by the U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, aimed at introducing stricter screening measures including the evaluation of applicants’ social media activity. U.S. embassies and consulates globally have been instructed to halt new interview appointments as the country prepares to implement the updated vetting system.

Although no specific timeline has been given for the rollout, the U.S. government has assured that interviews already scheduled will proceed as planned. However, applicants who have not yet secured interview dates will be unable to move forward with their visa process for now.

This development primarily affects prospective F-1 student visa applicants — a category widely pursued by Nigerians and other foreign nationals looking to study in the U.S.

According to U.S. officials, the decision follows growing concerns over the conduct of some international students, which the government says has contributed to an increasingly tense atmosphere on American campuses.

The tightening of visa procedures comes amid broader crackdowns on international student programs. Just last week, Harvard University lost its federal approval to enroll international students after allegedly refusing to hand over behavioral records of certain foreign students. That action was swiftly followed by the suspension of over $2 billion in federal funding to the institution.

Reports also indicate that in recent months, the U.S. government has canceled the visas of hundreds of international students, with some facing legal consequences or being expelled from their universities.

Further guidance on the revised screening protocol is expected in the coming weeks. In the meantime, aspiring international students are advised to monitor updates from the U.S. State Department and relevant embassies.