U.S. State Department Freeze on New Student Visa Appointments Continues, Creating Uncertainty for International Students
On May 27, the U.S. State Department's announced a worldwide halt on new F, J, and M visa interviews. As of today the freeze continues, affecting incoming international students and scholars who are trying to secure visas for fall classes.
Early evidence suggests the suspension is taking a toll: A May 2025 survey from IDP Education has found 44 percent of prospective international students were "seriously considering" other study destinations, while searches for U.S. study programs dropped 33 percent between January and May.
See also the recording of a June 11 webinar, jointly hosted by ICEF and NAFSA, on the marked downturn in international student interest in the United States during the past couple of months.
NAFSA and the U.S. for Success Coalition have launched an advocacy campaign urging Congress to press Secretary of State Rubio to resume visa appointments immediately.
As a part of this campaign, NAFSA is asking members and other advocates to:
