US Resumes Student Visa Processing with New Conditions; India Emerges as Top Beneficiary

The United States has restarted visa interviews for international students after a brief suspension, offering a major boost to those planning to study in the country this fall. The move applies to F-1, M-1, and J-1 visa categories and follows a directive from the US State Department to its diplomatic missions worldwide.

However, the resumption comes with a new condition: applicants must keep their social media profiles public to allow US authorities to conduct background screenings. Any posts deemed anti-American could lead to visa rejection. This added scrutiny is part of what experts are calling a “controlled opening,” balancing national security concerns with the needs of the education sector.

India, now the largest source of international students in the US, stands to benefit the most from the policy shift. According to the Open Doors Report for FY24, 331,602 Indian students were enrolled in US institutions—marking a 23% increase from the previous year and surpassing China.

"After the temporary halt in late May to enhance screening procedures, this limited reopening signals a cautious but positive step forward. For Indian students, it means visa access is being restored, though under tighter monitoring," said Karunn Kandoi, Founder and CEO of Vidysea Education.

The pause had caused significant uncertainty, especially for students accepted for fall 2025 admissions who were unsure if they would receive their visas in time. With the US visa season peaking between May and August—when around 70% of international student visas are issued—timing is critical.

“This development restores confidence and clarity for students. Many were anxious about missing their academic start dates. Now they can proceed with visa appointments and travel plans,” said Mamta Jani, Founder of Ontrack Education.

According to education consultants, roughly 75% of Indian students applying for fall 2025 had already secured their visa appointments before the pause. The suspension primarily affected the remaining 25%.

F-1 visas are granted for academic programs at accredited US institutions, M-1 visas are intended for vocational training, and J-1 visas support student exchange programs.

The temporary suspension was initially ordered on May 27 by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as part of a broader review of visa screening processes.

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