KATHMANDU: The US government has ordered its missions abroad to stop scheduling new appointments for student visa and exchange visitor visa applicants.
According to Reuters news agency, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in an internal cable that the department plans to issue updated guidance on social media vetting of student and exchange visitor applicants after a review is completed and advised consular sections to halt the scheduling of such visa appointments.
The decision, however, will not affect already scheduled visa appointments.
The US has tightened immigration after Trump returned to power. Not only are illegal residents being deported in large numbers, but visas are also being revoked.

Himal Press