The US is significantly changing its policy on international students in 2025. Find out why student visa interviews were suspended, what new deportation risks have emerged, what caused the Harvard scandal, and how students can avoid violations and maintain their status

Student Visa Interviews Suspended. Social Media Under Surveillance. Top Universities Under Attack. If you are an international student planning to study in the US, or are already studying, the latest news could significantly affect your plans.

In 2025, the US government under the Donald Trump administration sharply tightened immigration and education policies. In particular, all student visa interviews were temporarily suspended, expanded social media monitoring was introduced, and sanctions were imposed on leading universities, including Harvard. Here is everything you need to know.

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Student Visa Interviews Suspended in the US

As of May 2025, applications for student visa interviews at US embassies and consulates around the world have been temporarily suspended. No new appointments are planned yet as authorities review security procedures, including by checking public activity on social media.

The order was issued via diplomatic cable by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who cited the administration’s plans to expand the vetting and social media vetting processes for international students. Consular offices should not accept applications for visa interviews for student or exchange visas (F, M and J) until further notice.

Existing appointments will continue as scheduled, but new interview locations will not be added until further notice.

Why has the US suspended student visa applications?

The suspension of student visa applications was part of a broader effort to restrict the entry of international students. The Trump administration has explained this as a national security measure, citing concerns about possible unrest on campuses and abuse of student visas.

In particular, from now on, according to the new rules, consular officers will have the right to check applicants’ accounts on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and other platforms. If they find posts that are considered threatening, anti-Semitic, or related to terrorism, they may deny your visa or revoke your existing permit.

The US previously introduced the “Catch and Revoke” program, which uses artificial intelligence to track and revoke student visas for suspicious online activity. According to VisaVerge, thousands of visas have already been revoked this way.

Sanctions against Harvard: a conflict between the authorities and academia

One of the most high-profile cases of the new policy on foreign students in the US was the termination of Harvard University’s SEVP certification, which means a ban on accepting new foreign students.

The Trump administration accuses Harvard of failing to comply with requirements to provide information about foreign students and shortcomings in combating anti-Semitism on campus. As a result, the US Department of Homeland Security also froze $2.2 billion in federal funding for the university.

In response, Germany has offered to host a Harvard campus on its territory, stressing the importance of academic freedom and international cooperation. Court cases have already begun, with some rulings temporarily suspending the administration’s actions.

Visa cancellations and deportations on the rise

Amid tighter visa controls, the U.S. embassy has urged international students to strictly adhere to their visa conditions. Even minor violations—from skipping classes to participating in protests—can result in loss of student status and deportation.

When can a student visa in the United States be revoked?

Your visa can be revoked if:

- You are not maintaining full-time student status

Full-time study is mandatory. Reducing the number of credits without the permission of the DSO (school representative) is a serious violation.

- You are regularly missing classes or not attending classes

Mere enrollment is not enough. Truancy can be grounds for a SEVIS violation and visa revocation.

- You have failed to report changes in your studies or status

Changing your program, taking a leave of absence, or terminating your studies without notifying the DSO is a violation of your visa.

- You have changed your program of study without updating your I-20

Any changes must be approved and documented through an updated I-20.

- You are working without authorization

Working off-campus without the appropriate authorization (CPT/OPT) is a violation of your visa.

- You have a criminal record

Even minor offenses—traffic tickets, petty hooliganism, or theft—can affect your visa status.

- You have participated in political protests or have been suspiciously active on social media

Some actions in public may be considered risky and may result in additional checks or visa cancellation.

- You have failed to update your address or employment status on OPT

Failure to provide this information to DSO or USCIS is considered a violation.

- You have provided false information or false documents

This is a serious offense that automatically has consequences for your visa status.

- You have overstayed your authorized stay

Remaining in the country after your visa or status expires may result in deportation and a re-entry ban.

Even one inadvertent mistake could result in your visa being denied, deportation, or future U.S. visas being denied. So be careful when studying in the country.

Significant decline in interest in studying in the U.S.

The new restrictions have already caused a serious downturn. American universities recorded a 50% drop in international applications from January to April 2025. Forecasts suggest a drop of up to 70% compared to last year, especially among students from the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia (FT).

This could seriously affect STEM programs, where international students make up more than half of graduate students.

Universities warn that if the U.S. continues its restrictive policies, it risks losing its leadership in higher education.

What does this mean for students?

If you are an international student:

- Check your social media profile: even old or sarcastic posts can lead to a visa rejection.

- Regularly monitor your visa status, especially if you are already in the US.

- Be prepared for possible delays or denials in issuing new F-1 visas.

- Stay up to date with legal news, especially if your university is under investigation.

The US is changing the rules of the game for international students — increasing vetting, suspending interviews, sanctioning leading universities, and actively using data from social networks. In 2025, studying in the US has become not only an educational challenge, but also a legal one. To stay in status and avoid problems, students need to closely monitor changes, strictly adhere to visa requirements, and seek professional help if necessary.

If you are planning to study in the US or are already studying and have questions about your visa status, seek legal advice on education. Our experts will help you assess the risks, properly prepare documents, and avoid violations that can lead to visa cancellation or deportation.

Reminder! China is one of the most popular destinations for higher education among foreigners. We have already told you how to enter a university in China in 2025: popular majors, English-language programs, scholarships, costs and requirements for students from abroad.

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