The US government has promised the international students scheduled to study in the US that the processing of student visas had been temporarily suspended, alleviating their fears.
The officers explained that suspension was part of a short-term review of visa policy for institutions that receive federal research funds. The move, which was made earlier this week, affected some students in anticipation of the Fall 2025 semester.
In a release, a government official explained, “This is not a ban. It’s a temporary measure to make sure all systems meet updated national standards.”
The review was triggered by recent protests at top universities like Harvard, where students condemned recent cuts in education expenditures and expressed apprehensions regarding access to low-income and foreign students.
Despite the protests, the US maintains it is determined to host foreign students. Officials reiterated that when the review is complete, visa granting will resume quickly, with special focus on those who have already gained admission into US universities.
Universities have appealed for restraint, assuring candidates that the delay will not affect admission. Some schools are already offering online lessons or deferrals pending visa clearance.
The move comes as most students—especially from Nigeria, India, and China—report anxiety with visa interview delays and vague timelines. Some of them are now looking at Canada, the UK, and other options as fall-backs.
They state the hiatus is inopportune but not out of the ordinary for visa systems to be considered, especially while national policy changes are underway.
The students are urged to stay in touch with their school’s international office and monitor announcements from the US embassy in their home country.
