International students flying to America for studying are facing rough weather. Trump administration had come down heavily on the students by revoking F-1 study visas of many students and even cancelling their SEVIS status. To a large extent the revocation of study permits has stopped and SEVIS records restored after court interventions.

The ordeal is not over for the foreign students. US authorities stopped issuance of new appointment slots for student visa applicants and even banned students particularly of Harvard to enter US.There is a great deal of confusion among the international students who are eager to enroll in US colleges since US universities, including Harvard, are battling legal battles against the Trump administration.As no official date on when the pause will be lifted has been announced, experts reveal what international students need to know before studying in the US this year.

William Cooper, Marketing Director at William Russell says, ?International students who are due to start at US institutions in the summer or autumn of this year are now facing significant uncertainty about their academic future.The U.S. State Department has paused the scheduling of new student visa interviews (F, M, and J visas) while it continues to expand its background checks and social media vetting processes. This decision comes at a time of peak application season for the Autumn semester, potentially preventing many students from securing their visas in time for the start of their academic courses.

Cooper expects delays in visa processing times. ?While some students have still been issued their visas since the pause, others have had visa appointments and interviews cancelled, leading to significant delays in their visa processing time. If you do find yourself facing any delays, consult the embassy and inform your educational institution and any financial institutions about the delay, as it could affect your enrollment date and any loan applications you have ongoing.However, don?t worry too much at this point, as many schools offer late arrival support letters that may help if your visa is delayed. Some universities will also allow students to defer their enrollment to a later date without penalty.

The pause is being used to allow time to implement comprehensive social media screening for all international student applicants. This means your social media history could be reviewed as part of the vetting process. If you?re unsure what might be of a cause for concern, we suggest you seek legal advice or speak with your school?s international student office.

Although this is a worst-case scenario, there have been cases where visas have been revoked in recent months. If you?re worried about the status of your student visa, stay in contact with your international student office. They will be able to help you with guidance, documentation, and any next steps. You must keep a record of everything, especially any communications with your school and the embassy, in case delays affect your start date or immigration status.Ensure you stay proactive and informed during this time. Check your embassy website regularly for updates on interview scheduling. Remember, previously booked appointments are not affected,? adds Cooper.

Manisha Zaveri, Joint Managing Director of Career Mosaic, says:

As the second-largest group of international students in the U.S., with over 268,000 Indian students enrolled in American colleges and universities in 2023, Indian students continue to play a pivotal role in enriching the U.S. academic environment.

The recent court ruling overturning the policy that sought to limit foreign students? opportunities in top institutions provides much-needed stability, allowing students to pursue their academic goals without the uncertainty that had previously loomed over their plans. This ruling emphasizes the importance of academic exchange and highlights the invaluable contribution of international students to U.S. higher education.

That said, international students must remain vigilant in navigating the evolving landscape of U.S. immigration policies. With recent measures such as heightened scrutiny of social media and potential visa revocations, it?s critical for students to stay informed and adaptable.Maintaining full-time enrollment, avoiding unauthorized employment, and adhering to visa regulations are key steps to safeguarding their status. Additionally, staying connected with university international student offices and legal advisors will ensure students are well-prepared to navigate these challenges. By being proactive and flexible, Indian students can continue to thrive and make the most of the opportunities that studying in the U.S. offers.

Sripal Jain,CA/US CPA, Co-Founder, Simandhar Education, says:

This year, international students heading to the U.S. must be more strategic and vigilant than ever. With a recent pause in visa interview processing, heightened social?media scrutiny, harsher vetting, and even the suspension of programs at flagship institutions, the landscape is shifting rapidly.

My advice to students: start early, and stay informed. That means monitoring official embassy communications, preparing for potential delays, and building a robust application portfolio that goes beyond academic credentials demonstrating purpose, transparency, and adaptability.

At the same time, data shows a steep decline in U.S. interest among prospective students search demand is down nearly 50% since January, and enrolments have dipped close to pandemic lows. But this doesn?t signal retreat it signals opportunity for those who prepare thoughtfully.Choose programs at SEVP?certified institutions, plan financial reserves for unexpected delays, and maintain compliance with visa rules (like full-time enrollment and authorized work for F?1 students).

The U.S. remains the world?s leading ecosystem for innovation and global talent, but only those who show foresight, resilience, and clarity of intent will truly thrive in the current environment. (FE)

PHOTO:The Trump administration has stopped revoking F-1 study visas and cancelling SEVIS status for many students, and SEVIS records have been restored after court interventions. (Reuters)

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