Postponement of US student visa: What is the solution to not interrupt study abroad plans?

NDO - The policy of temporarily suspending visa interviews for studying in the US, which was introduced right at the peak of the study abroad season, has had a strong impact on the psychology and plans of many students. Study abroad consultants reassure that this may only be a temporary interruption, but students still need to come up with a plan so that their dream of studying abroad is not interrupted.

Reminder to stay calm and flexible

The policy of temporarily suspending visa interviews for studying in the US was introduced right at the peak of the study abroad season. In the context that many US universities will start classes in August, this unexpected decision has significantly affected the study abroad plans of students planning to study in the US.

According to Ms. Le Thi Lan, representative of Tan Dai Duong Investment Joint Stock Company (New Ocean), information about the temporary suspension of visa appointments quickly caused anxiety among parents and students who intend to study in the US. Many people are concerned about the ability of international students currently in the US to reside and study, as well as the opportunity for students preparing to go to the US to enroll on time.

“At the moment, I think these reactions are understandable. However, despite the disruption, study abroad activities in the US will soon stabilize again,” said Ms. Le Thi Lan. She also said that many study abroad consultants from US schools are still working actively, expressing their desire to continue attracting Vietnamese students.

Many study abroad consultants from American schools are still working actively, expressing their desire to continue attracting Vietnamese students.

Mr. Mai Huu Hanh, Director of Academics and Admissions at EFA Vietnam Company, said that many American universities are expected to enroll in August 2025, while many Vietnamese students are still in the process of: waiting for an admission letter (Form I-20); just received an invitation letter but have not yet scheduled an interview; preparing to complete visa application documents.

However, Mr. Mai Huu Hanh expressed his belief that the US always values ​​serious and capable international students and that interview schedules will soon reopen. “This is not the end of the dream of studying in the US, but a reminder to be flexible, calm and have a good backup strategy,” Mr. Hanh said.

Ms. Lu Thi Hong Nham, Director of Duc Anh Study Abroad Consulting Company, confirmed that the center has received many calls from parents and students asking about the US student visa situation. “This is a government decision and it is difficult to change in a short time. However, we also believe that the US Government will prioritize serious study abroad applications, the review will not take too long, the interview schedule will be reopened soon and the US is still an attractive study abroad destination,” Ms. Nham shared.

However, according to Ms. Nham, the impact of this decision is very clear: "The indefinite postponement of the interview schedule right at the peak of the application preparation period has left many students and their families in a truly passive position." Especially students who have just received an invitation to study (I-20) or have not yet scheduled an interview.

Build a backup plan that suits you

Faced with this situation, parents and students are advised to prepare a backup plan. According to Ms. Lu Thi Hong Nham, there are two solutions chosen by many parents and consulting centers: First, prepare a parallel application for another country such as Australia, UK, New Zealand... to maintain the opportunity to study abroad in the upcoming school year. Meanwhile, continue to prepare the application for studying abroad in the US to be ready if the interview schedule is reopened.

“We are currently advising families to continue applying for their children to study in the US. For those who do not have an invitation letter, we still ask the school to issue one. At the same time, we are taking the opportunity to review visa applications and practice interviews so that we can be ready when the interview schedule reopens. At the same time, choose another country that is still valid to apply for study abroad in parallel. The one that is more stable and arrives first will be given priority,” Ms. Hong Nham shared.

Mr. Mai Huu Hanh added: Canada, Australia, UK, Ireland, Netherlands, Germany, New Zealand... are countries with stable policies, clear visa procedures, diverse scholarships, suitable tuition fees, and especially New Zealand does not require tuition fees to be paid before getting a visa. "This is the most practical option to reduce financial risks, time and the dream of studying abroad is not interrupted," Mr. Hanh said.

The second solution is to wait for the next admission period if the student still wants to study in the US. If the interview schedule for September 2025 is available, then submit the application. Otherwise, the plan can be postponed to January 2026 or September 2026.

“Studying is a long journey, and you should not give up because of a temporary difficulty. The US is still a country with a leadingeducation system and is hospitable. The current changes may only be temporary,” Ms. Nham added, emphasizing that in 2024, other countries such as Australia also changed their student visa policies but have now stabilized.

“The most important thing is that students should not panic, but proactively adapt, because studying abroad is not just a destination, but a long journey with many options,” said Mr. Mai Huu Hanh.

Mr. Hanh also said that study abroad consulting centers are constantly updating official announcements from the US Government, universities and Embassies/Consulates as well as supporting the completion, editing, and review of documents, accompanying parents and students in all possible scenarios, so that their study abroad plans are not interrupted.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/tam-hoan-visa-du-hoc-my-giai-phap-nao-de-khong-gian-doan-ke-hoach-du-hoc-post883097.html