The Trump administration paused new student visa interviews at the end of May, amid plans to increase vetting of potential visa holders. Over 400,000 student visas were issued in Fiscal Year 2024; however, the pause put new issuances at risk for the next academic year.

Consular officers are being told to look for "indications of hostility" toward the U.S., its culture, principles or citizens.

The State Department is restarting the processing of visa applications from students and visiting scholars, but is screening for “hostility” toward the United States.