Temporary suspension of US student visa interview appointments: Students need to proactively monitor information and adjust plans accordingly

NDO - In response to the news that the US embassy may temporarily stop issuing student visa interview appointments, Vietnamese study abroad consulting agencies said they are continuously updating information to provide accurate information to students. Students who are preparing their application to study in the US may be forced to consider adjusting their choices.

Most recently, on May 27 (local time), the US Government requested its embassies and consulates worldwide to temporarily suspend scheduling new interviews for student visa applicants.

Previously, on May 22, the administration of US President Donald Trump issued a shocking policy when it revoked the right to recruit international students of Harvard University, one of the most prestigious universities in the world .

For thousands of international students studying at Harvard in general and the Vietnamese student community in particular, this policy has created deep concern, especially for Vietnamese students who are cherishing the dream of studying in the US.

The policy of temporarily suspending the issuance of F-1 student visas for international students has raised concerns that the doors to US universities will close.

Ms. Pham Thai Quy, representative of Duc Anh Study Abroad Consulting Company (Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi ) said: As soon as there was information about the US temporarily stopping issuing new visa interview appointments and revoking Harvard's international enrollment rights, many parents and students were very worried. Many people asked the question: "If a prestigious school like Harvard is affected, will other schools be safe?"

NMA, a 12th grader in Hanoi, shared: “I have spent more than 2 years preparing documents to apply to US schools, but now I am very worried about the possibility of getting a visa. The sudden changes in policies have the potential to cancel my plans.”

This policy, combined with the precedent of increasing the H-1B visa denial rate (from 3% to 12%), has increased uncertainty about the stability of the US immigration system. This has led many Vietnamese students to worry that even if they are accepted to school, they will have difficulty entering or maintaining legal status in the US.

The cost of studying in the US is already high, estimated at an average of $30,000 to $60,000 per year, not including living expenses. With the new policy, Vietnamese students face a high risk of losing this large investment if their visa is canceled or not renewed. This forces many families to reconsider whether to continue pursuing the American dream or to switch to other countries.

In this situation, some study abroad consulting units said that they are still continuously updating information about new policies and providing accurate and timely information to students and their parents. Study abroad consulting units are always closely monitoring information between schools and students to have timely support solutions when there are changes in policies.

“We still adhere to the principle of working and collaborating with prestigious schools with transparent and clear policies. On that basis, we provide flexible study abroad plans and itineraries, helping students have many options to choose from,” said a representative of a study abroad consulting organization in Hanoi.

In the current context, students planning to study abroad in the US, in addition to expanding the list of schools to choose from, should also consider expanding the list of countries to study abroad.

“For students who are preparing to apply to top schools, if they really have the academic ability, they can consider adjusting their choices. The US education system is very large, in addition to prestigious universities like Harvard, there are many other top universities such as MIT, Stanford, or Ivy League schools, etc. However, in the current context, students should consider expanding their list of schools in addition to expanding their list of countries to study abroad,” the study abroad consulting unit recommended.

A representative of Duc Anh Study Abroad Consulting Company said that for now, for students who are still determined to pursue their dream of studying in the US, the company will continue to support their application as usual. However, the company also encourages students to prepare additional backup plans.

Ms. Pham Thai Quy commented that the US is an attractive destination, but even students who are passionate about studying abroad in the US must start considering countries with quality education systems and more stable immigration policies such as Canada, Australia, etc. "If students are still determined to study abroad in the US, they must wait and update information in this situation," Ms. Thai Quy said.

The policy of suspending new F-1 visa interviews may force many Vietnamese students to seek alternative destinations such as Canada, Australia, the UK, or Singapore. However, not everyone is ready to change their plans. LTH, a student in Hanoi, shared: “I have prepared everything for the US, from the SAT to the recommendation letter. If I move to another country, I will have to start over from scratch, which will take a lot of time and effort.”

Studying abroad is a long journey, no matter what the context, study abroad consulting units always advise students and parents to proactively prepare and orient themselves early; choose the right one for their own abilities and interests, finances and family conditions. And another important thing is to always update the political situation, visa policies, settlement and labor market of the countries.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/tam-dung-cac-cuoc-hen-phong-van-visa-du-hoc-my-hoc-sinh-can-chu-dong-theo-doi-thong-tin-va-dieu-chinh-ke-hoach-phu-hop-post882854.html