Uncertainty Looms for Indian Students Amid US Visa Interview Halt

Thu Oct 16 2025 22:24:44 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Recent changes in US visa policies have left many Indian students anxious about their educational aspirations in America.

A pause on visa interviews issued by the US State Department has raised concerns among prospective Indian students, who are now reconsidering their plans for higher education in the United States. With about 330,000 Indian students currently enrolled in US colleges, the halt has caused feelings of uncertainty, prompting students to seek alternate paths and guidance in navigating the situation.

In an unprecedented move that has thrown many young aspiring students into confusion, the Trump administration recently decided to pause visa interviews for foreign nationals seeking to study in the United States. This abrupt halt particularly affects Indian students, who account for the largest number of international students in the U.S., maintaining a population of around 330,000.

As summer approaches, potential students are grappling with a sense of limbo. Many have begun to alter their online presence, deleting posts and remarks that could draw scrutiny from the U.S. authorities, particularly with the State Department's intention to monitor social media activities during the visa application process. In response, students have turned to encrypted group chats to share information and discuss developments, while others are reportedly praying in “visa temples” — sacred venues among Hindu devotees rumored to enhance chances of visa success.

Career advisors have found themselves in the role of emergency counselors, fielding countless inquiries from anxious students. Karan Gupta, who mentors around 150 students annually, describes an uptick in worried calls. "There are students with admission letters left in the dark about visa appointments and those already in the United States fearing for their visa stability," he noted. Students considering American education next year now seek reassurance about the safety and reliability of their academic choices.

Kaushik Sharma, a 28-year-old hopeful with ambitions to enroll in prestigious U.S. policy programs, stressed the impact of the current situation on his aspirations. "I've invested so much in building my profile, only to face this uncertainty. I can't imagine studying there while living constantly in fear," he lamented, revealing he may instead apply to universities in Britain or Singapore.

As the admissions process continues, many students are left reassessing their future trajectories amidst a landscape riddled with uncertainty regarding U.S. visa policies and procedures.