Students and exchange visitors: No scheduled US visa appointments cancelled: Embassy

ISLAMABAD: The US Embassy in Islamabad on Friday confirmed that no previously scheduled US visa appointments for students and exchange visitors have been cancelled, advising applicants without appointments to continue monitoring for new availability.

Addressing concerns about the status of international students, particularly from Pakistan, and exchange visitors, a US Embassy spokesperson told Business Recorder that applicants should remain vigilant for appointment openings. “No previously scheduled appointments have been cancelled. We recommend that applicants who do not yet have an appointment continue to monitor for availability of new slots,” the spokesperson said.

The embassy underscored the Trump Administration’s commitment to national security, emphasising that every visa decision is a security decision. “Obtaining a visa is a privilege, not a right,” the spokesperson said, adding that all prospective travellers undergo extensive interagency security vetting. “Prohibiting entry to the United States by those who might pose a threat to US national security or public safety is key to protecting US citizens at home,” the spokesperson noted.

Regarding visa processing procedures, the embassy clarified that applicants may continue to submit visa applications, but making an appointment for a visa interview is a separate step.

The spokesperson said that consular sections regularly adjust their schedules to allow adequate time for thorough vetting of cases, ensuring that visa operations globally maintain high standards. “We’re working every day to fully vet visa applicants to ensure they do not intend to harm America or our interests,” the spokesperson added. He said that student and exchange programme visa applicants were encouraged to apply with full honesty in their applications. “Student and exchange programme visa applicants may continue to apply – and they need to be fully truthful in their applications when they do so.”

To a question with respect to vetting of social media accounts of the visa aspirants, he said: “The US Department of State does not comment on its internal communications.”

When approached, senior leaders belonging to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), and the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) remained tight-lipped and declined to comment, stating that the matter is entirely the prerogative of the US.

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