The recent decision by the US government to pause student visa interviews has disrupted the plans of hundreds of students from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, particularly those preparing for the Fall 2025 intake.
This period, between August and September, typically witnesses the highest influx of Indian students to the US.
According to education consultants, nearly 60% to 70% of Indian students apply during this intake. In 2023, Indians accounted for the largest group of international students in the US, with over 2.7 lakh students. Notably, 13% of them hailed from the two Telugu-speaking states, making them the largest contributors to this cohort.
However, the latest move has created uncertainty for many aspiring students due to increased scrutiny of applications and a severe shortage of visa interview slots.
The situation is particularly tough for those still waiting on their I-20 forms — the essential admission document issued by US universities.
A 22-year-old aspiring data science student added, “We borrowed money from relatives to fund this dream. But now there’s no clarity. I’m reconsidering my US plans and exploring alternatives, as I’m still in the early stages of my application.”
Education consultants are advising students to remain vigilant for any updates or sudden slot openings, keep documentation ready, avoid fraudulent agents, and — most importantly — sanitize their social media profiles. This comes amid reports that US authorities are intensifying scrutiny of applicants' online activity as part of the vetting process.
“We’ve already been seeing more rejections and extended administrative processing. This new hurdle is significant,” said Arvind Manduva, head of I20 Fever, a consultancy with multiple branches in Hyderabad. “We’re telling students to remove any politically sensitive content, fake achievements, or anything suspicious from their social media.”
An estimated 150 to 200 students with valid I-20s are currently waiting for visa interview appointments, Manduva added.
Responding to concerns, the US Consulate General in Hyderabad clarified that social media screening is not a new measure.
“Since 2019, the Department of State has required visa applicants to provide social media identifiers on immigrant and non-immigrant forms. Security vetting is conducted throughout the application and visa validity period,” a consulate spokesperson said in an official statement.
Source: TimesOfIndia
