US visa interview pause disrupts study plans of Indian, Chinese students; some forced to defer university admission

Indian and Chinese students planning to study in the US are facing delays in securing visas, with some having to defer their university places as an ongoing pause in immigration visa interview appointments disrupts their plans, according to Rosalind Skillen's Times Higher Education (THE) report.

The US State Department introduced the temporary pause at the end of August as consular officers undergo updated training on new “public charge” rules. The department has not announced when the pause will be lifted or when interviews will resume.

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The disruption comes as international students were already facing difficulties obtaining US visas because of enhanced security checks. Students with offers from US universities are now facing uncertainty over whether they will be able to reach the country in time to begin their courses, with Indian and Chinese nationals among those particularly affected, THE reported.

Binita Parekh, a Bengaluru-based overseas education expert, told THE that some students had already resigned from their jobs after securing admission to US universities.

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“Despite trying to book visa appointments since May 2026, they couldn’t secure slots in time. Several students had already made major personal and financial decisions – quitting their jobs, securing and disbursing education loans, and planning an international move,” Parekh said.

She cited the case of a student admitted to the University of Southern California who received an emergency visa appointment in the last week of August. His visa was approved, but he had to leave India within 48 hours of receiving his passport.

Some US universities are allowing international students to arrive between seven and 12 days after the official start of the term, according to Parekh. However, students who cannot secure appointments within that window may have to defer their admission.

The uncertainty is also prompting some Indian students to consider destinations such as the UK, Europe, South Korea and Japan, the THE report said.

Parekh said Indian students were increasingly exploring alternatives instead of automatically considering the US their first choice.

Pushkar, director of the International Centre Goa, said the US had traditionally been a top destination for Indian students because of career opportunities, higher salaries and the possibility of eventually settling in the country. However, he said that path had become more difficult.

“Students are looking at other options,” Pushkar said, pointing to Germany and France as countries offering clearer routes towards citizenship.

Richard Coward, founder and CEO of education platform Global Admissions, said the US would continue to attract students because of its economy and career opportunities.

“The US economy is the world’s leading economy and there are opportunities for higher salaries,” Coward said.

“From what I’m seeing, careers are the number one factor for students in choosing where to study in all destinations,” he added.

The disruption is also affecting Chinese students, with reports cited by THE indicating that some have been forced to defer enrolment until next year. Coward also pointed to a longer-term trend of Chinese students choosing destinations closer to home, including Japan.