(Email sent 5/28/2025 at approximately 12:10pm)
Dear New and Continuing International Students,
We want to share a developing update that may affect international students applying for U.S. visas.
According to news reports, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, the U.S. Department of State issued a directive to U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide to temporarily pause the scheduling of new student visa interviews. This measure is reportedly intended to give the administration time to review and potentially implement expanded social media vetting for international student visa applicants.
At this time, there has been no official announcement from the White House or State Department regarding this pause. If you are currently in the U.S and do not currently hold a valid student visa and don’t have a visa appointment, we strongly advise against leaving the U.S at this time.
The pause reportedly does not impact visa interview appointments that have already been scheduled. If you have a visa interview scheduled, you should keep the appointment.
Those who have not yet scheduled an appointment may find limited or no availability. If you are currently outside the U.S. and don’t have a visa and don’t have a visa appointment, please connect with International Student Services (ISS) to explore possible contingency plans for delayed entry.
For the most up-to-date information, students should regularly check the official websites of the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country, as well as stay in contact with the ISS office at issmanoa@hawaii.edu for guidance, updates, and support.
Warm regards,
International Student Services
