U.S. Student Visa Process Faces Major Disruptions and Delays in 2025

Washington D.C: The U.S. student visa process continues to experience major disruptions in 2025, with global scheduling delays leaving thousands of international students in uncertainty just weeks before the September semester begins.

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A policy freeze implemented in May 2025 by the U.S. Department of State suspended all new interview appointments for F, M, and J visa applicants. The pause was attributed to expanded social media vetting procedures and enhanced national security screening.

While certain U.S. missions, such as the American Institute in Taiwan, have resumed limited operations, others including key locations in India, Nigeria, and parts of the Middle East still report severe appointment shortages. In Ahmedabad, India, for example, no interview slots have been available since May 27, stranding many students with confirmed university admissions but no visas.

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The Department of State’s Visa Wait Times tool shows wide variability in scheduling across different consulates, with estimated delays ranging from a few weeks to several months. Students from high-demand regions are disproportionately affected.

These delays are compounded by recent travel restrictions and increased scrutiny for applicants from certain countries, further complicating the visa process for the upcoming academic year.

What Students Should Do
Prospective U.S.-bound students are urged to:

Complete all required visa documentation immediately.

Monitor embassy portals frequently for sudden availability.

Consider flexible enrollment options or alternative destinations if delays continue.

Universities and international advisors are also stepping in to support affected students, but uncertainty remains high.