USA stakeholders and politicians call for urgent action on student visa delays

The U.S. for Success Coalition – a national alliance of more than 50 organizations across the higher education, technology and business sectors launched in 2023 – has written to the Department of State urging prioritization of visa processing for international students and scholars, arguing that the three-week suspension of new visa interview appointments earlier this year has jeopardized the USA’s position as the “#1 destination for top talent from around the world”.

The suspension was confirmed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the end of May and remained in place until new social media vetting guidelines were released in the second half of June.

A cable to embassies and consulates around the world on the new guidelines highlighted the increased workload and suggested that processing times would likely increase.

“This delay and the resulting backlogs couldn’t have come at a worse time,” said Jill Welch, Spokesperson for the U.S. for Success Coalition.

“With classes starting in just over a month, thousands of students – particularly from high-demand countries like India – are at risk of missing the start of the academic year. The consequences will ripple across our local economies and campuses, and will have long-term implications for scientific research and our national interests.”

The organization called on the State Department to surge resources to process new and returning student visa applications and to ensure capacity in high-demand countries during the peak season.

Furthermore, it urged the government to collaborate with stakeholders in the higher education, business and non-profit sectors “to develop a proactive, talent-centred visa policy”.

The Coalition highlighted that international students at universities and colleges contributed almost US$44 million to the economy in the 2023/24 academic year, according to analysis by NAFSA Association of International Educators , but argued that global competition for students is stronger than ever.

“We are deeply concerned that the recent suspension of F, J, and M visa interviews during peak visa season and subsequent backlogs and delays have already derailed travel plans for thousands of international students and scholars. Without immediate action, too many of them will not arrive in time for the fall semester, undermining not only their futures – but our country’s,” the U.S. for Success Coalition said in its statement.

“These delays aren’t happening in isolation – they’re part of a broader pattern of administrative actions, such as SEVIS record terminations, visa revocations, and opaque processing practices that collectively signal instability and unpredictability,” said the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, which is one of the member organizations of the U.S. for Success Coalition.

“That has a chilling effect. Students and families making decisions right now are watching closely, and if the U.S. is seen as too difficult or uncertain, many will choose other countries that are already stepping in to welcome this talent. Such a shift is a serious risk to the United States’ position as a global leader in higher education and innovation, and even our national security.”

Congresswoman Deborah Ross led a group of 14 lawmakers urging action on visas for Indian students.

Meanwhile, a group of 14 lawmakers from across both main parties have written to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging attention to address delays for Indian students ahead of the start of the academic year.

Congresswoman Deborah Ross led the letter, and wrote, “As members of Congress who represent research universities, we are concerned by reports from our constituent universities about Indian students who have been unable to obtain visas to continue their education in the United States.”

They highlighted that Indian students form the largest group of international students in the USA and contributed US$9 billion to the economy in the 2023/24 academic year.

“We are dismayed at the possibility that many of these bright young individuals may be blocked – due to limited appointment availability and scheduling delays at the U.S. embassies in India – from continuing their education and research in the United States.”