US Visa Interview Pause Disrupts Indian and Chinese Students' Study Plans

The US visa interview pause is causing disruptions for Indian and Chinese students planning to study in the United States. The halt on immigration visa interviews at US embassies began in late August, with no clear end date or resumption timeline.

This uncertainty has forced some students to defer their university admissions, while others are scrambling to secure last-minute visa appointments. According to Binita Parekh, an overseas education expert based in Bengaluru, Indian students have been particularly affected by the delays.

Parekh reported that some students she works with had secured admission to prestigious US universities but were unable to book visa appointments despite trying since May 2026. These students have made significant financial and personal commitments, including quitting jobs and taking education loans.

The pause in visa interviews may accelerate a shift towards alternative destinations for Asian students. Parekh noted that Indian students are becoming more cautious about choosing the US and are increasingly exploring other options such as the UK and Europe.