Donald Trump’s election victory returned him to the White House. But his second tenure as the President has looked nothing like his first. 

Just four months into presiding over the office, Trump put a pause on new student visa interviews. That was a huge blow for international students planning to pursue higher studies in the U.S. 

Reports suggest that more than 4,700 foreign students are affected by this policy. 

If you’re one of them, it’s completely normal to feel frustrated or unsure about what to do next. But there is a silver lining: this pause doesn’t mean the door to your U.S. education has been slammed shut. It has just encountered an unexpected delay.

Here, we’ll break down the why behind the pause on student visa interviews. Not just that, we’ll also share how you can still make your study abroad plans a reality despite this temporary hurdle.

Why is the Trump Administration Halting the Scheduling of New Student Visa Appointments?

In late May 2025, the Trump administration ordered U.S. embassies and consulates to pause the scheduling of new visa interviews for students and exchange visitors. This affects those applying for F, M, and J visas. 

It did so to give U.S. embassies and consulates time to prepare for an expansion of social media screening for all applicants. 

State department officials have publicly described the measure as a ‘procedural’ adjustment. They reassure applicants that it is not expected to be a lengthy or ongoing process. The goal, they say, is simply to ensure that consular staff worldwide are ready for the new vetting procedures.

This visa interview pause is not happening in a vacuum. It is part of a broader crackdown on immigration and higher education by the administration.

A New Travel Ban

On June 4, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation that restricts entry for nationals from 19 countries. 

This policy includes a total ban on student visas for 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, and Somalia. It also places a partial ban on student visas from 7 other countries, such as Cuba and Venezuela. 

This ban directly affects students from these nations who are outside the U.S. and do not have a valid visa as of June 9, 2025.   

The Harvard Case

In a move never seen before, the administration is focusing its attention on just one school: Harvard University. 

It attempted to revoke the university’s certification to enrol international students and signed a separate order to bar new foreign students from attending. The federal judges quickly blocked these moves. But the actions have sent a chilling message to students and universities across the country.

4 Tips to Help You Navigate the Visa Interview Pause

The policy landscape is fraught with challenges. But simply waiting to see what happens is not an option. You can use this time to become so well-prepared that when interviews resume, you will be ready to succeed.

Here are a few tips to help you navigate the visa interview pause:

1. Don’t Put Your Dreams on Pause

The most important thing to do is not to panic. Allowing anxiety to dictate actions can lead to premature or poor decisions. 

The administration has described the interview pause as a temporary measure, intended to last for days, not weeks or months. In fact, The PIE News reports that state officials say an update on the Trump administration visa rules is expected within days. 

So, use this period of delay to perfect every aspect of the visa application. Finalise and perfect the Statement of Purpose, gather and organise all required financial documentation, and rehearse answers for the eventual interview. 

The single most critical action to take immediately is to complete and submit the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160. Fill it properly. There should be no spelling errors or inconsistencies in dates, passport numbers, or SEVIS information.

2. Look into Hybrid or Online Learning

One way to keep your academic plans moving forward is to explore online learning. Many top U.S. universities, like UCLA and Arizona State University, offer excellent online programs for international students. 

You may be able to start your classes from your home country while you wait for your visa interview. This can be a great way to make progress and not fall behind.

You must understand the rules about online study, however. They are strict and can be confusing.

First, studying online from your home country does not grant you F-1 visa status. You are simply an online student. The time you spend studying abroad does not count toward eligibility for work authorisations, like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the U.S.

Second, once you are physically in the United States on an F-1 visa, there are strict limits on how many online classes you can take. To maintain your F-1 status, you must be enrolled in a full course of study. 

For most students, only one online class or three credits per semester can count toward this requirement. Taking your entire course load online while in the U.S. is a serious violation of your visa and could get you sent home.

Hybrid programs are also allowed, but they are complicated. Your university must certify to the government that your specific program is compliant. You cannot simply create your own hybrid schedule. You must get explicit, written confirmation from your DSO that your course plan is fully compliant with all visa rules.

3. Look Into Third-Party Visa Support Services

Many families choose to work with an immigration or education consultant, especially in India. These experts stay updated on policy changes and can guide you through complex processes.

If you decide to seek outside help, it is important to know whom you can trust. Your university’s ISO is your first and most reliable stop, and their help is free.  

For help with your applications, you might turn to an educational consultancy. Vet them thoroughly, though. 

Look for professionals with experience in student visas specifically. Check their reviews and ask for referrals from others who have used their services.

Some services offer package deals that include application review, interview preparation, and document organisation. While these cost extra money, they might save you time and reduce stress significantly.

Be careful about scams, though. Legitimate consultants won’t guarantee visa approval or ask for suspicious payments. They should be transparent about their fees and services upfront.

Even better? You can seek help from The Red Pen, a Mumbai-based education consultancy. It has helped thousands of students with applications and admissions abroad. It specialises in everything from school selection to visa support. 

4. Explore Other Countries as Backup Options

While you’re waiting for U.S. visa processing to resume, why not explore other excellent study destinations? This isn’t giving up on America, but being smart and keeping your options open.

If visa appointments are delayed past your university’s final arrival date, you might have to defer your admission for a semester or a year. 

Many international students are looking to the U.K. amidst Trump’s proposals to tighten entry visa restrictions for international students. Canada and Australia are other great alternatives. 

The main advantage these countries have right now is not that their visa processes are simpler, but that they are predictable. They have clear steps, costs, and timelines. This stability is a powerful antidote to the uncertainty surrounding the U.S. process.   

The programs of many schools in these countries are comparable to American universities, and some might even be more affordable.

Look into countries you hadn’t considered before. Germany offers many programs taught in English with low tuition costs. Singapore has excellent universities and serves as a gateway to Asia. New Zealand provides a relaxed environment with strong educational standards.

Research transfer opportunities between countries. Some international agreements make it easier to move credits between institutions in different countries. You could start elsewhere and transfer to the U.S. later.

Own Your Future, No Matter the Destination

The current pause on visa interviews is undeniably disruptive, but it is not a dead end. 

Focus on what you can control: the quality of your applications, your interview preparation, and your strategic foresight. If you do so, you transform anxiety into action. 

Whether your path leads to the U.S. or Canada, know that your hard work will open doors to a bright and successful academic future.

Don’t overlook your test prep amidst all this, however. A strong SAT score can give you an edge over other students. 

For personalised, reliable support, seek help from Prep7Edu. Its expert team can help you master concepts in Math and Reading and Writing, which will boost your confidence and performance. That, in turn, will increase your chances of getting into the university of your dreams.