Asian international students caught up in a US visa pause face a “hectic scramble” to start their studies, with some having to defer places because of the ongoing delays.
A temporary halt to immigration visa interview appointments at embassies worldwide was introduced by the US State Department at the end of August.
Consular officers are receiving updated training on new “public charge” rules that will see applicants who are seen as likely to be dependent on the state not granted a visa.
The State Department has not issued a date for when the pause will be lifted and interviews will resume.
International students were already facing issues obtaining US visas as a result of enhanced security checks.
