The US temporarily suspends issuing student visa interview appointments: How will it affect international students?

- Ảnh 1. — The US student visa interview appointment booking website shows maintenance status this morning, May 28.

Who is affected by student visa applications?

This morning (May 28), speaking with Thanh Nien , directors of many study abroad companies in Vietnam said they are unable to schedule visa interviews for studying in Vietnam at the moment. Specifically, the appointment booking website only shows the applicant in the waiting room with the information line, "Please stay on this page, you will be redirected to the visa registration and appointment booking portal shortly."

"We appreciate your patience during the website maintenance period to improve the quality of services for visa applicants to better support you," the website added.

A few hours earlier, many international news agencies reported that the US had ordered all embassies to temporarily stop issuing interview schedules for international students. Accordingly, on May 27, the US State Department issued a telegram instructing US diplomatic agencies around the world to stop arranging additional interview schedules for student and exchange visas (types F, M and J) until further instructions are given in a few days.

US officials are expected to issue guidance on expanding checks on social media accounts for all applicants for the above visa categories.

- Ảnh 2. — Vietnamese students participate in a simulation of a US student visa interview

Dr. Le Bao Thang, Director of OSI Vietnam InternationalEducation Consulting Company, shared that the temporary suspension of student visa appointments can be understood as a technical adjustment on the website. "Current information shows that the Trump administration is only 'more careful' in checking social media accounts, which was previously announced, but has no intention of completely stopping interviews for student visas," said Mr. Thang.

There are two examples of this, according to the doctor. One is that in the past, some applicants who were Mr. Thang's clients when applying for a US student visa extension had their applications returned for not having "provided social network information", including account names or URL links. Applicants must fill in this information in the DS-160 form (student visa application - PV) and resubmit it on the system, according to an email sent by the US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.

The second proof is that this morning, some of Mr. Thang's clients were still notified by the US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City to reschedule their visa interview appointments. This shows that the interview and issuance of student visas in Vietnam may still be taking place normally and not completely suspended, only the registration of student visa interview appointments is affected, according to Mr. Thang.

- Ảnh 3. — The appointment booking website this morning showed no information, while a few days ago (right image) clearly showed available dates.

"International students should not worry too much because the system may be back to normal in a few days. What you need to do now is review your social media accounts and 'clean up' if necessary," Dr. Thang shared, referring to information that is hostile to the US government.

Ms. Amelia Dinh, Admissions Director of the University of Bridgeport (UB) in Vietnam, also said that there was previously information that the US government would review "inappropriate" social media posts of visa applicants in general and international students in particular. "I believe that the system is just updating technical features to have more specific social media information declarations," Ms. Dinh shared.

"Because this is only a technical factor, international students will not be affected when applying for a student visa, nor will it affect their plans for the next admission season," the American university representative emphasized.

- Ảnh 4. — Letter from the US diplomatic agency to applicants who want to extend their student visa, in which the applicant is required to provide personal social network information

Ms. Dao Nhat Mai, General Director of NEEC Study Abroad Consulting Company, said that the issuance of student visas "will stop for a few days", and believes that the US government will take stronger action against students who "use social networks to influence others". She informed that it is possible that cases of applying for US student visas at this time will have to wait until next week to resume.

Proactively seek alternatives

Present in person at the US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City this morning (May 28), Mr. Vu Thai An, Director of GLINT Study Abroad Company, informed that at around 9:00 a.m., the agency closed and an officer informed that anyone with an appointment should come back later because the agency was "processing administrative procedures". By 10:00 a.m., the applicants were lined up again and interviewed normally, including students who registered for summer study abroad who were Mr. An's clients.

- Ảnh 5. — People lining up for US visa interviews on the morning of May 28

Thus, "pre-booked appointments will continue," the director noted, citing actual information from customer accounts and operations at the US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. Meanwhile, for those who have not yet scheduled a visa interview, all available slots have been removed, according to Mr. An.

According to Mr. An, the move to temporarily suspend the issuance of interview schedules for student visas is "part of a larger plan to tighten background checks on international students, including the review of applicants' social media profiles." The immediate issuance and application of this order has affected thousands of international students around the world, including many in Vietnam, according to Mr. An.

"This decision has serious implications, especially for those who have been planning to study in the US this fall," said Mr. An. As of now, the US has not provided any information about the new process or how to make an appointment, which could cause international students to wait longer, or worse, delay their visa applications.

Appointments will continue to be scheduled. For those who have not yet scheduled a visa interview, all available slots are currently cancelled.

Mr. Vu Thai An, Director of GLINT Study Abroad Company

"Visa suspensions have also occurred in the past, such as during the Covid-19 pandemic (2020), or policies targeting specific countries such as Proclamation 10043 (2020) for China, Executive Order 13780 (2017) for Middle Eastern countries," Mr. An added.

- Ảnh 6. — A Vietnamese student who has scheduled an interview appointment can still access normally.

"Parents, students and educational institutions need to stay calm and closely monitor new developments. At the same time, always proactively seek alternative measures and solutions for the future of their children," the director advised.

Thanh Nien has contacted a representative of the US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City for comment and will continue to report on the incident.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/my-tam-dung-cap-lich-hen-phong-van-visa-du-hoc-du-hoc-sinh-anh-huong-ra-sao-185250528105741062.htm